Your Father does not want you to fear His will. THE PLACE OF FEAR Beersheba (Genesis 46:1) Hagar (Genesis 21:14) Sent away Close to death God comes to the rescue Abraham (Genesis 21:33) In prior verses, Abraham formally accepted a covenant with Abimelech, the king of Gerar (Genesis 21:22–24). As part of this agreement, Abraham gave seven sheep to Abimelech to absolutely secure his right to a particular well. Abraham had dug this water source himself, but Abimelech's men, at some point, had taken it over (Genesis 21:25). Having secured the ownership rights to the well at Beersheba, Abraham further puts down roots, so to speak, by planting a tamarisk tree. Tamarisk trees could reach 30 feet high and would provide excellent shade in the desert climate of the region. The planting of a tree required a reliable water source, and this further symbolizes the importance of this location. The planting of this tree may have been related to Abraham's calling on the name of “El-Olam,” the Everlasting God. Much later, Abraham's son Isaac would meet the Lord here at Beersheba and build and altar to Him. Beersheba becomes a significant spot for Israel's patriarchs and the nation Isaac (Genesis 26:23-33) Problems with Abilmelech Dug a well and built an altar Jacob (Genesis 28:10) Sent by Isaac to find a wife He was alone THE PEOPLE OF FEAR(Genesis 46:5-27) Jacob Launches from Beersheba (Genesis 46:5) They take lock, stock, and barrel Jacob is leaving 130 years of life behind Shepherds not well thought of by Egyptians The gods of Egypt are not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob THE POWER OF FEAR (Genesis 46:2-5) The power of fear is only effective when we take our focus off of God God calls Jacob, Jacob, in his fear God makes His presence known and to not be afraid God makes the strongest promise God promises to bring Israel back again What about you? Where is your place for your deepest fears? Cast out fear by looking to God. (1 John 4:8) (Matthew 8:24-26) Face the future with the confidence God is with you.