Magdy Samuel

Chapter 2: 3
The Negative Effects of Fear (2)

What else did Abraham lose? There are more things he lost out of fear.  He did not only lose his fellowship with the Lord and his sense of internal Peace and Security. When fear sneaks into our heart, it makes us lose many things.  Now we will consider some more of what Abraham has lost.

Third: The deprivation of a straightforward life
Despair leads us to wrong doing. “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25).

When Abraham panicked, he was compelled to lie, by saying that Sarah was his sister.  Even though she was his half sister (from his father and not from his mother), he hid the truth that she was his wife.

From this we discover that fear sometimes leads us to sin, and not walking with a clear conscience in God's eye.  We might lie, become angry, flee, steal, or commit many sins for one main reason:  fear.

Fear lead David to flee to the Philistines and pretend that he was a mad man in front of Achish, king of Gath, deceiving him. And fear of the Jews forced Peter to act like a hypocrite and Barnabas joined him as well. Moreover, fear in front of a maid forced Peter to deny Jesus.

Fear can pressure you to lie to your boss, give an incorrect account, speak untruthfully, or present misleading information.

Hence, dear reader, I encourage you to refrain from taking any decisions when you are scared or disturbed. First go to the Lord to calm yourself and He will guide you to the right and perfect decision.

For the true believer will not be able to enjoy his life if his conscience is suffering, due to sin in his life. The enemy tries to deprive us of a life of integrity, causing us to lose our joy and power.

Dear reader, if you have lost your integrity and have a troubled conscience, I invite you now to come to the cross, confessing your sins that you may be able to continue your journey as a foreigner with peace and joy. Trust in the Lord.   “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Fourth: Lack of Marital happiness
Despair and faulty decisions coming from a fearful heart lead to many losses. Sometimes we commit sins against ourselves, our spouses, children, family, and others because of these wrong decisions resulting from fear. For fear lead Abraham to lose Sarah.

It was a horrible night for Abraham, if not one of the worst nights that he ever faced during his journey, when Sarah was taken to Pharaoh's palace. Pharaoh treated Abraham well for Sarah's sake and gave him sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

We can equate the seven gifts that Pharaoh gave to Abraham with the possessions and things of our modern day.  Sheep and oxen represent the best kinds of foods the world can offer you. The camels, and male and female donkeys, refer to the finest methods of transportation and luxurious cars. Moreover, the male and female servants in today's language symbolize the highest technology and advancements from computers, electric devices, and all techniques of comfort and leisure.

You might be able to fill your house with all kinds of methods of happiness… and yet you are lacking happiness itself.
For the Bible says:
“Better is a little with the fear of the LORD,
Than great treasure with trouble."
 (Proverbs 15:16)
“Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife”
(Proverbs 17:1)

Beloved reader, live faithful to the Lord, rejecting worldly gifts, and the Lord in His grace will fulfill all your needs and satisfy you, for He is the one that said “Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness” (Proverbs 8:18)

The world might grant you many things, but be aware that it will take more than it has given you. The world can award you a great deal of money, success, leisure, or comfort, but, it will also steal from you personal peace, marital happiness, spiritual fellowship, or your relationship with God.
Therefore, beware of worldly gifts.

 

Magdy Samuel