Facing Critical Moments

This was a moment Jacob had been avoiding. Years earlier, his brother, Esau, reacted with anger after Jacob had taken the blessing and birthright that rightfully belonged to him. To escape, Jacob was sent to their family home, hundreds of miles away. There, he would mature, gain a family, and become prosperous. But he always knew that, eventually, he would need to return home and face his brother.

Finally, the moment came. Journeying back home, his fear intensified when he learned that Esau was approaching with 400 men. Jacob became “greatly afraid and distressed.” He divided his entourage into two camps, and sent gifts ahead. Then, Jacob was alone. How did he respond? With prayer.

He began by reminding God how he was responding to His call to return to his country and relatives. He recognized that God had made great promises and blessed him in many ways. He knew that he was not worthy of these blessings. And he committed his coming confrontation with Esau to God, asking for His deliverance for Jacob and his family.

The Bible reminds us that we can tend to worry about issues and speculate what might happen. These are moments to react like Jacob, to turn to prayer. As Paul taught us, “Don’t worry over anything whatever; tell God every detail of your needs in earnest and thankful prayer, and the peace of God which transcends human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, Phillips).

Are you facing burdens? Do you have questions about the future? Turn to God. Seek Him and tell Him “every detail” of your needs. Pray until you have His peace.