PUT YOUR FEAR, NOT THE EPHOD, AWAY

PUT YOUR FEAR, NOT THE EPHOD, AWAY

Fear will tell you to stop praying when you need God’s direction the most.

When pressure rises and circumstances become confusing, our natural instinct is often to take control. But the moment we stop seeking God because we are afraid of what He might say—or because we cannot understand what is happening—is the moment we need Him most.

Scripture

“While Saul was in conversation with the priest, the upheaval in the Philistine camp became greater and louder. Then Saul interrupted Ahijah: ‘Put the Ephod away.’”(1 Samuel 14:19) 

Explanation
Who do you turn to when you have a problem?

In theory, most of us would say, “God.” But in practice, we often turn first to our training, experience, connections, skills, or understanding. We consult God when everything else fails.

Saul's men were abandoning the mission because of fear. Saul appeared to do the right thing—he called for the Ephod, the instrument associated with seeking God’s direction.

But while Saul was consulting God, the situation became louder and more chaotic. Saul couldn't make sense of what was happening. Fear entered the picture, and he interrupted the priest: “Put the Ephod away.”

No, Saul! This is when you need God the most!

Application
Don't allow fear to make you abandon prayer.

When circumstances become confusing, don't stop seeking God because you don't understand His process. When the noise gets louder, listen more carefully.

Don't act because of fear. Pray because of fear.

You may not understand what God is doing, but you can still trust Him enough to ask for His direction.

Put your fear away—not the Ephod.

Reflection
What situation in your life is tempting you to stop praying and start taking matters into your own hands?

Are you responding to that situation in faith—or allowing fear to make your decisions?

Prayer
Lord, when fear rises and circumstances become confusing, help me not to abandon Your presence. Teach me to seek You even when I don't understand what You are doing. Silence the voice of fear and help me hear Your voice clearly. Give me the courage to wait for Your direction and the faith to obey it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Discussion Question
When fear takes over, what do you usually do first—pray, panic, or take control? Why?

Have a fruitful day.

(Dr.) Emmanuel Okoro
(aka Dr. Lift)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Law man" or God's man

Image
The law in one sense was a defective reflection of God. It reflected who God is; though not a perfect reflection. The law says don't steal, God does not steal. The law says do not lie, God does not lie, etc. But there was more to God that law could not show or give to us. As a result, God has given us His grace. His grace was not just a reflection of Himself but was God Himself. The law would should you what to do but could not grant you the ability to do it but grace did not just show you, He did it for us. The essence of the law was to satisfy God but grace came and did that on behalf of mankind. The reason why the Apostle says here that he quiets being a 'law man' but instead became God's man "What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man". (Gal.2.18 MSG) Are you 'law man' who is still strivi...
Read more

Think About It. Talk It Over. Do Something!

Image
Think About It. Talk It Over. Do Something! "And he ordered the men he sent out, 'Say to every man in Israel: Has such a thing as this ever happened from the time the Israelites came up from the land of Egypt until now? Think about it! Talk it over. Do something!'" (Judg. 19:30) These three simple instructions reveal a powerful process for bringing change and accomplishing worthwhile goals. First, think about it . Every meaningful achievement begins as an idea. It starts in the mind where possibilities are imagined, plans are formed, and vision takes shape. Before anything can become reality, it must first become clear in your thoughts. Next, talk it over . When an idea captures your heart, you naturally begin to discuss it. You share it with trusted people, refine it through conversation, and give it a voice. Talking about it helps transform a vague thought into a defined direction. Talking about it gives life to the idea. Finally, do something . Thi...
Read more

With Such an Attitude

With Such an Attitude “She said, ‘Of course I’ll go with you. But understand that with an attitude like that, there will be no glory for you. The LORD will hand Sisera over to a woman.’ So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.” (Judges 4:9) It is often said that attitude is everything—and in this passage, that truth is unmistakable. Through Deborah, God gave Barak a clear promise of victory over Sisera. Yet, Barak hesitated. He was unwilling to step forward in obedience unless Deborah accompanied him. While God still granted victory, He made it clear that Barak’s reluctance would cost him the honor—Sisera would fall, but not by Barak’s hand. This shows us something powerful: our attitude matters deeply to God. Willingness, courage, and trust are not optional in our walk with Him—they are essential. A hesitant or conditional obedience can limit the fullness of what God intends to do through us. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that willingness positions us for God’s best. And in Philippi...
Read more