Jacob has been gone twenty years, yet that time has not softened Esau’s heart. An army of 400 men has joined Esau to come to meet Jacob. I think I would be a little terrified, too. So what does Jacob do? He separates his family and possessions into two camps. If Esau attacks, hopefully, the second family group can escape. It says “then” Jacob prayed. I think I would be praying the moment terror filled my heart.
How often does that happen to us? When something frightening or stressful comes into our life – do we exhaust ourselves and our abilities trying to solve it, or do we turn to God first? I am probably as guilty as Jacob a lot of the time. What will it take for us to have an automatic, knee-jerk reaction to cry out to God when the going gets tough?
After Jacob prays and sleeps on it, he comes up with the plan about the two peace offerings. I’m thinking God had a hand in that arrangement. So how will it play out? There is a bit of anticipation as today’s reading leaves us hanging. What is going to happen when the two brothers meet? Are his parents still alive? What has become of the old family homestead?
If you are reading this in “real time” or as I am writing and walking through Genesis, it is Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s a time to reflect on all that we have and all that God has done for us. Take time today to make a list of all the things you are thankful for. You may run out of time before you run out of things to put on your list. Thank God for each one. This may be an exercise you’ll want to continue in the days ahead.
I’d like to thank you for visiting this devotional blog! I appreciate you and am grateful for you. I’ve let you into my quiet time with God as I focus on His Word and how it speaks to me. I can read the same text a week from now and it will say something completely different. Make notes in your Bible as you have inspiration. It’s always great to re-read notes from earlier quiet times. God’s word is definitely alive.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for Your Word and how it speaks to my heart. I thank you for the life you have given me, the experiences, the people, the challenges, the provision. You are a majestic and great God. It is beyond my comprehension how you can love us all and hear us when we pray. But I know without a doubt that you are able to do that and so much more. Help my feeble brain to grasp what you want for me today. May every word that comes from my mouth be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
