On his way back to back to his homeland and family, Jacob encounters a camp of angels. But even with the backup of a heavenly army, Jacob is afraid of his brother Esau’s approaching force of 400 men.
Jacob starts planning for the encounter, preparing gifts, dividing his family into two groups, and praying. That’s right, Jacob prayed. At least he’s learned something these past twenty years working for his uncle Laban.
George Mueller wrote, “The most important part of prayer is the fifteen minutes after ‘Amen.'” What you do next speaks volumes about you and who you trust. Jacob is thankful for God’s provision, recalls God’s promises, and asks for his protection. So far so good. But the next day, he continues lining up gifts to pacify his brother.
That night, Jacob wrestles all night with God (Genesis 32:24). He’s determined to get a blessing from him. Really? Jacob is on his way home with wives, children, servants and livestock. God has shown him kindness and faithfulness, given him the covenant promises, and dispatched the angel army to protect him. How much blessing will it take to get through to you, Jacob?
The world has taught us not to trust anyone. Anyone. I know most of our email, texts, and phone calls are scams. Stories and images are AI generated. Marketers manipulate me to like, desire, and buy things I don’t need or even really want. I understand completely why Jacob is cautious and has a backup plan.
However, God is relentless. He tirelessly shows us that we can trust him. He displays his faithfulness by fulfilling promise after promise. If there is anyone we can trust, it’s the Lord.
It just takes me people like me and Jacob (and probably you, the reader) a long time to take that truth to heart.
Waite for it... 