The last type of fear I want to talk about is:
3. The Fear of Provisions
This fear flows from the theories concerning the second type of fear in my last write-up. Joseph was wondering how an ordinary man like him could take care of God. How was he going to play a fatherly role to the Son of God—someone who is God Himself?
Can I afford these gifts? Do I have what it takes to take care of this gift? Where will my help come from? How will I survive? What will happen to me if I retire or become incapable of delivering at my workplace or institution?
Provisions can be categorized into healthcare, ergonomic support, economic and financial care, spiritual care, and social care/social support systems.
When it comes to the fear of provisions, Jesus tells us in
Matthew 6:24-34: “So do not start worrying: ‘Where will my food, drink, and clothing come from?’ These are the things pagans are always concerned about. Your Father in Heaven knows you need all these things. Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and what it requires of you, and He will provide you with all these other things.”
Give it to God; He is the Great Provider. Do your best, work hard, embrace your gift, and leave the rest to God.
As I draw the curtains on The Joseph Factor, permit me to state that you will be hated because of the gift you have. The gift of your marriage, vocation, children, wife, work, home, and any other gift you possess will generate its respective types of hatred. So do not be worried when people hate you—it’s quite normal. If you were not gifted, you would not be hated so much.
Mostly, when God gives you a gift, it generates its respective hatred. The gift of Jesus generated a serious hate in Herod, and that led to the killing of all children two (2) years old and below.
In our society, we seldom waste hate on people who are not gifted. The fact that you just passed your exams, graduated, got that car or job, tied the knot, or gave birth… all of these gifts will attract their own variety of hate. You are on the list of your enemies because you are gifted.
I conclude by saying that fear can keep you from your destiny and make you lose your gift. Fear is a powerful force that keeps millions of people from achieving their goals, and it can, in one way or another, prevent you from getting what you want in life.
It is real; it stops people from taking advantage of opportunities—it can tear you down physically, shorten your life, and make you ill. It can freeze you when you want to speak or act.
Joseph was initially afraid, but he conquered fear through faith and positive action. Faith and action do cure fear. Faith in yourself, faith that you can work out your problems, and faith in God—knowing in your heart that God knows what is best for you. Although you may not understand, He loves you, and His plan for you will turn out to be the best. Faith will always overcome fear.
Psalm 34:4 says: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all of my fears.”
As I conclude “The Joseph Factor,” I believe God has blessed you and taught you some crucial lessons through this series. I wish you the best of the Christmas season and pray for God’s blessings upon your life.
Until next Christmas, when I come out with “THE HEROD FACTOR,” I wish you well and a Happy New Year in advance.
