Are you facing a big decision? Has the journey of life taken you in an unanticipated direction? Fear often attends big decisions and moves in our lives. What do we do with that fear? To whom do we turn when the challenges of life become seismic?
Israel prayed. God had led Abraham into the promised land. Now his descendants were leaving. This felt like a difficult decision. On the southern border, before he entered Egypt, Israel and his family worshiped God, offering sacrifices on the altar at Beer Sheba. To which God did he sacrifice? Isaac’s God was Jacob’s God.
When he worshiped, Israel opened his heart and mind to hear from God. Not surprisingly, God showed up in his dreams and called him by name. Jacob answered and God identified himself. What did God have to say to Jacob? “Do not be afraid to go down into Egypt.” Why not fear? God had sent Joseph ahead of him. Jacob would not be buried in Egypt but in the promised land. God promised to bring him back.
Years ago, a famous football coach moved to Texas. My friend Bobby was pastor of a large church in that town. He saw the coach in worship and welcomed him. The coach said, “Wherever my family is on Sunday, we worship there.” I like that.
All of our fear is caused by calculating without God. When we worship, we open our hearts and homes to God, anticipating his presence and his promises. People who worship God in community get to know him better. Where will we be this Sunday? Next Sunday? Do not forget to worship with the people of God. Pass this heritage on to the next generations. When they face fearful decisions, they will know the One to worship.
