Storms scare me – specifically tornadoes.  They scare me because I am no stranger to them.  I can still recall sitting in my car and watching a tornado travel down the road beside me.  That isn’t something you soon forget. So, as the storms raged last night, I found it hard to sleep.  Fear can be a powerful thing.

Many people speak of the fear of the unknown.  The truth, however, is that people are usually afraid of those things they know all too well.

That’s how it was with Jacob.  He was no stranger to the wrath of his brother Esau.

Now Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father had blessed him, and Esau said to himself, “The days of mourning for my father are approaching; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”  – Genesis 27:41

Jacob had a seemingly legitimate reason to fear his brother.  Yet, often, God calls us to face the very thing that we fear.  It’s just His way.

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred…”  – Genesis 31:3

Yes, sometimes, He sends us back to the very thing we have spent our lives running from.  But, don’t miss the best part.

…and I will be with you.” – Genesis 31:3

When God instructs you to face your biggest fear He always promises His mighty presence.  

God knows that a life of fear is no life at all.  And He will do whatever it takes to set you free.  Freedom is a big deal to God.  His Son did the work of setting you free and there is no room for the bondage of fear.

Whatever fear you face – whatever it is you might be running from – if God is calling you to return you can know that He will be with you.