READING: Genesis 31-34
As Jacob prepared to meet Esau, he did not know what to expect – though he was certainly afraid his brother would not accept his desire for reconciliation. In fear after hearing of the hundreds of men coming with Esau, Jacob did the right thing: he prayed. Note the components of his prayer:
- He sought God, who had promised him prosperity: “God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Go back to your land and to your family, and I will cause you to prosper’” (Gen 32:9).
- He confessed his unworthiness of God’s kindness: ”I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps” (Gen 32:10)
- He asked God to rescue him: “Please rescue me from my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children” (Gen 32:11)
- He leaned into God’s willingness to keep His promises to him: “You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to be counted’” (Gen 32:12)
Jacob was honest about his anxiety and fear, recognized he could only plead for God’s help, and turned to God’s covenant promises to find his hope. We are wise to follow his lead as we pray in frightening times.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you have fears you need to express to God today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Thank You, Lord, for keeping Your promises to us.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 35-38