Fruit in the Place of Fear

Devotional From The Sermon: How-Ever: Faith for the Other Side of However

Rev. Rev. Dr. Bankole Akinbinu

Reading: Psalm 23

Devotional:

The spies cut down their fruit in Hebron, the very city where the giants lived. The fruit did not grow somewhere safe and comfortable, far from the source of their fear. It grew in the middle of it. This is the pattern of God’s provision. He does not always remove you from the difficult place before He blesses you. Often He meets you in it. He prepares a table in the presence of your enemies. He anoints your head with oil while the threat is still visible. He provides in the wilderness, not just beyond it. If you are waiting to be free from fear before you step forward in faith, you may be waiting in the wrong direction. The fruit is often found on the other side of the step you are afraid to take.

Reflection: Where in your life are you waiting for the fear to disappear before you move forward? What might God be calling you to do in the very place where your fear resides?

Application: Take one small, concrete step today toward something God has called you to do that you have been postponing because of fear. Trust that His protection travels with you into that space.