How Do We Reconcile Fear with Faith?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 21:16 contradicts Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 6:26, Psalm 34:17, Isaiah 41:10 and Hebrews 13:5. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
In the story of Genesis 21:16, Hagar's actions reveal a deep emotional conflict. Here, Hagar, fearing the death of her son Ishmael, distanced herself from him, overwhelmed by despair. It's a poignant human moment, showing the intensity of a mother's love and fear. But how does this align with the broader tapestry of Biblical messages that emphasize faith and divine assurance?
In contrast, Deuteronomy 31:6 instructs believers to not succumb to fear or to abandon others, reassuring that God will not forsake them. This notion of unwavering divine presence challenges Hagar’s decision to separate herself from Ishmael.
Similarly, Matthew 6:26 highlights God's care for all his creations. If even the birds are well-provided for, why did Hagar doubt that help would come for her son? This contrast suggests a test of faith, prompting reflection on why she felt isolated despite promises of divine support.
Psalm 34:17 tells us that God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles. Herein lies a contradiction to the hopelessness Hagar felt. This leads us to ponder the balance between an immediate emotional response and the overarching belief in divine rescue.
Isaiah 41:10 offers encouragement not to fear, assuring God’s presence and support. This adds another layer to the complexity of Hagar's situation—why did God's promise seem distant to her in that dire moment?
Hebrews 13:5 further amplifies the message by affirming that God will never leave nor forsake us. This assurance directly contrasts with any implication of abandonment in Hagar’s actions.
These apparent contradictions invite us to delve into the nuances of faith and human frailty. They prompt us to question how we reconcile our fears with the promise of divine care—a question as relevant today as it was in Hagar's time.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 21:16 | And she went, and sat her down over against [him] a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against [him], and lift up her voice, and wept. |
| 2. | Deuteronomy 31:6 | Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. |
| 3. | Matthew 6:26 | Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? |
| 4. | Psalm 34:17 | [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. |
| 5. | Isaiah 41:10 | Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. |
| 6. | Hebrews 13:5 | [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. |