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Faith Over Fear

Before Jacob was born, God revealed to his mother, Rebekah, what his future would hold: “One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah remembered these powerful words from God, and it is likely that she told them to Jacob. The two worked together to secure Isaac’s blessing for Jacob and make the prophecy come true.

But is this what God intended? When the Lord revealed the brothers’ destinies to Rebekah, it was in response to her prayer: “The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ So she went to inquire of the Lord” (Genesis 25:22). Her response, and Jacob’s response, was not trust. It was instead an effort to take matters into their own hands—to “help” God in making sure that the prophecy came true.

Why didn’t Rebekah and Jacob simply trust God? While the Bible doesn’t say for sure, we can assume it is because trusting God is hard. It’s far easier to respond in fear. Fear that the words won’t come to fruition. Fear that we will miss out on a blessing unless we do something about it. Fear that God’s timing is all wrong. Prophetic words can be a blessing when we respond to them in trust, but they can be a curse when we respond to them in fear.

Think about the words that have been spoken over you in your life. Maybe these were words from a minister, a family member, or a friend. How did you respond? Did you feel pressure to fulfill them? Did you set your sights on them and nothing else? Did you feel disappointed when they weren’t fulfilled in the way you thought they would be or when you thought they would be?

Prophecy is a delicate Spiritual Act. Today, you will read about the prophecies given to two other individuals in the Bible—Abraham and Mary—and see how their responses differed from Rebekah’s and Jacob’s. As you read about these recipients of God’s Word, think about what happens when you respond to God in faith rather than out of fear.

Reflection

The story of Abraham begins with an account of his father, Terah, moving the family from Ur of the Chaldeans to Harran (see Genesis 11:27–32), approximately 600 miles. What sacrifice did God then ask Abraham to make to fulfill the plans He had for him? What was Abraham’s response?

Mary was an unmarried virgin when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her with the Calling of a Lifetime. How did Mary respond to this Call (see Luke 1:38)? What sacrifice do you think this required on her part to respond to the Angel in this way?

What are some of the ways you have sensed God calling you or leading you at various points in your life? How did you respond to these promptings from God?

What is something you are facing right now that you’re tempted to react or respond to out of fear? How could you choose trust and obedience instead?

Prayer

End your time in prayer. Consider how you have responded to God’s Voice in the past. Ask Him to help you respond to Him in faith, obedience, and trust.