If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, you know that his heroes always have a
serious character flaw. It makes for a good story and teaches some important
lessons. The same is true of our Bible hero Abraham. His flaw? Fear.
Twice Abraham succumbed to his fear that a ruler would kill him and
steal his wife (Gen. 12:11-20; 20:2-13). Fearing for his life, he deceived both
Pharaoh and King Abimelech by saying, “She is my sister”—in essence welcoming
the king to take Sarah into his harem (20:2). With fear dictating his actions,
he put at risk God’s plan that through him and Sarah a great nation would arise
(12:1-3).
But before we judge Abraham, we should ask ourselves a few questions.
For fear of losing our job, would we compromise our integrity? For fear of
appearing old-fashioned, would we set aside our values? For fear of being
ridiculed or misunderstood, would we neglect sharing the gospel and put
someone’s eternity at risk? Only one thing will conquer our fears: tenacious
faith in God’s presence, protection, power, and promises.
If your fear is putting God’s wonderful plans for you at risk, remember
that He will never ask you to do anything He can’t bring to completion, even if
it requires miraculous intervention on His part.
Let your faith overcome your fear,
and God will turn your worry into worship. (RBC)
