How can we avoid acting out of fear like Moab did in Numbers 22:4? Setting the Scene in Numbers 22:4 “‘This horde will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.’ ” (Numbers 22:4) Moab looked at Israel’s vast numbers and assumed scarcity, defeat, and loss. Instead of seeking God, they hired Balaam to curse God’s people—choosing manipulation over humble trust. Fear’s Fallout: What Moab Teaches Us • Fear magnifies threats and minimizes God’s power. • Fear pushes us toward ungodly alliances (Moab joined Midian and courted a pagan diviner). • Fear breeds pre-emptive aggression—hurting others to feel safe. • Fear blinds us to God’s track record of faithfulness; Moab ignored how the Lord had just brought Israel through the wilderness without oppressing neighboring nations. A Gospel-Driven Remedy for Fear • Remember who God is: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). • Receive what God gives: “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7). • Rest in His presence: “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10). Practical Steps to Walk by Faith, Not Fear 1. Fill your mind with truth – Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 119:165). – Memorize key promises such as Psalm 56:3-4. 2. Pray instead of panic – “Be anxious for nothing… present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6-7). 3. Worship actively – Singing and thanksgiving shift focus from threats to the Savior (Psalm 34:1-4). 4. Obey the next clear command – Fear speculates; faith acts on revealed truth (James 1:22). 5. Seek wise fellowship – A godly friend can redirect fearful thinking (Proverbs 27:17). 6. Recall past deliverances – Keep a journal of answered prayers; testimony fuels courage (Deuteronomy 7:18-19). 7. Serve others – Love pushes fear out: “Perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18). Promises to Anchor Our Hearts • Joshua 1:9—Strength and courage wherever He sends us. • Psalm 46:1—“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” • John 14:27—Jesus gives a peace the world cannot steal. Closing Thoughts Moab’s story warns that fear, left unchecked, drags us into scheming and sin. Fixing our eyes on the Lord, trusting His unbreakable promises, and stepping forward in obedient faith keep us from repeating their mistake. |
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