Sweating The Small Stuff

     This past Sunday was a good experience for our church.  We all talk about trusting God through tough times, but when we face the reality of fear and testing we sometimes fail the exam.  Consider the pressure this morning that Jacob was under as he obediently returned to his homeland as commanded by God.

      Genesis 32: 3-8 - Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. He commanded them, “You are to say to my lord Esau, ‘This is what your servant Jacob says. I have been staying with Laban and have been delayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male and female slaves. I have sent this message to inform my lord, in order to seek your favor." When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you—and he has 400 men with him.”  Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, cattle, and camels.  He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.”

     God had made specific appointments at different timesto visit Jacob and reassure him that He was with Him and that he would be Safe in His Hands.  God had given to Jacob the very same promise that He had given Abraham, and Isaac.  He would bless those that blessed him and cursed those that cursed him, He would be watching over him closely.

     Now look at Jacob as doubt begins to interfere with faith.  Most likely the servants that came back to report to Jacob may have had some doubts, but it doesn't matter where the doubt will come from, just be reassured that it will come.  Jacob now begins to plan ahead, he isn't comforted by what God has told him personally, he has to take things into his on hands. He splits up his camp, sends his family away and then starts sending gifts of contrition ahead to his Esau.

     Of course, if we read on we find that Esau was excited to see his brother and embraced him and welcomed him home.  When we doubt God we can end up looking foolish.  God had already been working ahead of Jacob and had prepared this day for him.  The years of hate had diminished and Esau was not the man he remembered. We must believe that God is working in front of us and that He has our days in His Hands, when we don't doubt will take away from us the experience of growing in faith as we see God's hands working in a real way in our lives.
In His Grip
Pastor William

     God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, or sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.