THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR ALARM
Genesis 32:1-12
It is a given that you are familiar with the story in our text today. It will be recalled that Jacob fled Canaan years before after he tricked his father, Isaac to get the blessing due for Esau. He had prospered in the House of Laban. He had two wives, two concubines and twelve sons and at least a daughter. Not only these, he had a large flock. To all intents and purpose, he had become a wealthy man. What a long way from the trickster who fled some years back!
But now, he was returning to Canaan on the instruction of the Almighty God. He had the support of God. Yet he had Esau to contend with. The wound of years ago was still fresh. He knew Esau would be bent on revenge. And he was afraid not only for himself but also for his family and property. And then he began to strategize. But at the end of the day, we know there was no need to fear.
In the same vein, you have nothing to fear. We are approaching the end of the year. In two months, this year will become history. A new year is loading. Truly you may have heard some unpleasant predictions, projections and permutations based on the travails of the outgoing year. But relax; those are just rumors of what Esau can do. You have heard from God just like Jacob did. The one who saved your life and brought you this far did not bring you here to destroy you. He did not spare you to suffer you. He did not keep you alive to disgrace you. Relax; you are about to enter into one of the most exciting years of your life. It is not that there will be no challenges. Far be from it. There will be several. But you will triumph gloriously. Whenever you are confronted by challenges and you appear confounded. Go back to God. See what Jacob did here.
And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which sadist unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant: for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children, (Verse 9-11)
Give God praise for past mercies. Remind him of his promises and then present the challenge asking for God’s guidance and favour. Remember, you have no need to fear. What the Lord told Jacob, He tells you today. He said “I will surely make you prosper” (Genesis 32:12). This is your portion this year and beyond.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I thank you for what you have done so far. I trust you for the remaining weeks of this year and the year ahead.
