(Gen 32:21 NIV) So Jacob’s gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp.
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing to look at the life of Jacob. Yesterday we dealt with the fact that Jacob had waited 20 years to face his brother. Jacob went to the Lord in prayer about it, because he was very concerned. The next morning Jacob, still concerned, decided to attempt to win Esau over with gifts. He sent 220 goats, 220 sheep, 30 female camels with their young, 40 cows, 10 bulls, and 30 donkeys. Talk about an offering. This was a very expensive gift. He broke up the animals into three herds and told the servants in charge of each herd to say to Esau, “These animals are from my servant Jacob, who is coming this way. He is sending them as a gift to his master Esau.” Jacob was hoping that by the time the third herd arrived that Esau’s anger would be turned to kindness. He wanted Esau to be glad to see him when they met. The gifts went on ahead of him and Jacob spent the night.
Jacob, not feeling safe, moved his entire family in the middle of the night. He took his wives, his 11 children, and everything he owned across the other Jabbok River. Jacob then came back and spent the rest of the night all alone. Can you picture him? He has leathery skin from all the time he spent in the sun caring for animals. His face is worn from stress his current fear is dishing out. His camp is barren as a result of his own decisions to send everyone away. His mind is racing through the failures and the successes of his life. His heart is pounding from the uncertainty of what Esau would do. He had made decisions – good and bad – in life. He had both dishonored and honored God. He started out rough, but his life and his relationship with God had taken a turn for the better. He was there because God told him to go home. And when it was all said and done, when his thoughts came slowed down, when he looked around, he was in the middle of the desert and he was all alone. At that point the number of camels, cattle, sheep, donkeys, gold, and silver he owned meant nothing. He was attempting to do right (follow God), but he was unsure of his future. It was at this point that God sent an angel to wrestle with him. At his lowest point, God intervened to bring about his greatest change. This night would, once again, transform Jacob’s life forever (see Genesis 32:16-24).
So what does this mean to you today? A couple of things:
1. If you are going to persevere, you need alone time with God. Life today is absolutely hectic. Technology has enabled us to do more in less time, but that means that we are constantly on the go. Slow down from time to time. Get some good sleep. Get quality rest and spend quality one-on-one time with God. If not, you might buckle under the pressure and stress to give up! Your secret time with God is what will make you, and keep you, a public success.
2. Don’t wait for life to order your schedule. Jacob did not plan this encounter with God, but he could have. If he had setup an altar and spent some time in worship we don’t know what might have happened. God could have moved another way. He might not have had to send his family and his servants away. But because he did not schedule time for God, life ordered his schedule and drove him to his knees. Don’t wait for life to order your schedule with an overwhelming situation before you spend time with God. Order your own schedule and spend time with God daily. You can either get up in the morning and allow your prayer to order your day or you will find that your day will wind up ordering your prayer. The choice is yours. Spending quality time with God will enable you to keep going, even when you feel like giving up!
Closing Confession: Father, I love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I don’t have to wait for a terrible situation to spend time with You. I honor You daily. My prayer orders my day and I don’t allow my day to order my prayer. I tell my day what kind of day it is going to be, because I spend time with You in the morning. I don’t wait ‘till something bad happens to pray. I love You, I spend time with You, and You honor me by leading, guiding, directing, and blessing me today and every day. I make time to spend time with You and it pays off for me greatly. I am able to enter every day with a spring in my step, a song in my heart, a burning fire of eternal hope in my soul, and a smile on my face. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
