“Fear tells us to take control; faith reminds us that God already has it.”

Fear has a way of clouding our judgment. It makes us act quickly, sometimes recklessly, as we try to regain a sense of control. In Genesis 19, we see this clearly in the story of Lot and his daughters. After escaping the destruction of Sodom, they find themselves isolated, uncertain, and afraid. Instead of seeking God, they rely on fear—and the results are devastating.

Lot had already compromised by settling near Sodom, drawn by what looked like a good opportunity. Over time, the culture of the city shaped him more than he shaped it. He was no longer just a visitor—he was a part of it. When judgment came, he lingered. He negotiated. He couldn’t fully let go. And even after God mercifully led him out, he isolated himself again—this time in a cave, consumed by fear.

His daughters, shaped by the broken environment they grew up in, responded the same way. “Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.” (Genesis 19:32) It’s disturbing, heartbreaking, and desperate. But it’s also painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever made a decision rooted in fear rather than trust.

Fear distorts our thinking. It convinces us that God has forgotten us or that His promises won’t come through. Instead of remembering the God who just rescued them, Lot’s daughters assumed they were alone. That assumption led to choices that impacted generations.

The sons born from this decision—Moab and Ben-Ammi—became the ancestors of nations that later opposed Israel. What started as an attempt to secure a future created years of conflict.

And yet, God’s grace is not stopped by our mistakes.

From the lineage of Moab comes Ruth, a woman who chose faith over fear. Ruth left behind her past and followed God, ultimately becoming the great-grandmother of King David—and part of the lineage of Jesus.

That is redemption.

Maybe you’ve made fear-based choices. Maybe you’ve tried to fix things in your own strength, or rushed into something because waiting felt unbearable. This story reminds us that while fear may lead us astray, God’s grace still leads us home.

He can redeem your story. He can use even your broken places. You’re not beyond restoration. What fear has broken, faith can rebuild.

So today, ask yourself: Are you trusting God, or are you still holding onto control?

Father, help us to trust You instead of giving in to fear. Show us the places where we are trying to control what only You can handle. Give us peace in uncertainty and faith in Your timing. When we are tempted to take matters into our own hands, remind us that You are already at work. Help us to surrender every fear, every doubt, and every anxious thought to You. We trust that Your plans are better, Your provision is enough, and Your grace is greater than any mistake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want to go deeper? Listen to the full episode here: Fear Based Decisions