Fear has this way of making us believe things that are not true. Panic attacks epitomize this. For more than 20 years, I was convinced that I was going crazy or had some terrible, life-threatening disease. Yet, none of that has happened. For more than 20 years, I believed a lie. Let me share another story about a man who believed a lie for more than 20 years.

Jacob was a proud father. His twelve sons must have brought him tremendous joy. There was one son, however, that he was most proud of: Joseph. He was so proud of this young son that he made a special robe for him--a robe of many colors. That gift to Joseph represented his father's favor.

Joseph's older brothers were jealous and decided to get rid of him. In a fit of envy, they sold Joseph to some Midianite traders on their way to Egypt. To cover their wickedness, they took his special robe and doused it with the blood of a goat. When they went back to their father, they handed it to him and said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe" (Genesis 37:32).

Immediately, Jacob cried out in misery, "It is my son's robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces" (v 33). His favorite son was gone, or so he thought. He simply saw the evidence, and believed a lie.

Many years passed, and Joseph became governor over all Egypt. During the famine, his brothers came seeking food. They did not recognize their younger brother. After a few discussions with them, Joseph eventually revealed himself to them.

When the older brothers went back to tell their father that Joseph was still alive--to tell him the truth--Jacob still could not believe it (Genesis 45:26). Eventually, Jacob did learn that Joseph was still alive, but for more than 20 years, he believed a lie.

When panic strikes, the evidence seems very real. Something must be terribly wrong--a rapid heart beat, shallow breathing, numbing hands, pain, terror. Yet, we do nothing to track down the truth or the root of the issue. We simply accept the lie because we see and accept the surround evidence.

How long have you believed you were having a heart attack? How long have you believed your condition was because of some terrible, life-threatening disease? How long have you believed the evidence?

Today, I encourage you to track down the truth. Had Jacob investigated this story of an attack, he may have learned the truth and saved himself years of anguish. Ask God to help you find the truth. Once you find it, then "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Blessings!

Russell

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|  Russell Pond     <><
|  Season of Peace
|  email:  ponder@season.org
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© Russell Pond 1999
Reprinted with permission