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Staring across a river at a likely hostile army, a Man came to Jacob. And they fought and in the struggle Jacob recognized the Man: It was the God of the Universe. We treat God as though He is absent in our hardship – when He is perpetually present. We claim He is indifferent to our pain – when He is embroiled in the solution. We accuse Him of being cruel and heartless when He is actively pursuing our best. Because in the struggle God becomes known.  Jacob is staring across a river at a 400 man army headed by his estranged brother, Esau. The predicament in this chapter is the confusing result of several sins, not all Jacob’s, a few mistakes, and his act of obedience to God’s instructions. A situation that the honest among us will admit is like the circumstances of our lives at various points. But in it God was at work. God brought him back to face Esau, and in the fear and anxiety God met him. And even in the pain and humiliation of the meeting with God, it was a blessing for Jacob’s obedience. 
Have you ever noticed in romance novels the heroine can be ever so quirky, but her love interest is absolutely ideal? She may be unfair and jump to conclusions, but he will be patient. She is often uncertain, but he will always be faithful. She will be unkind and inconsiderate, but he will forgive her. She is scarred; he will heal her. She may be anything and everything, and he will love her anyway. It is a reflection of the cry of our hearts: I am flawed – please love me always. We just don’t realize it’s not a person we are seeking – it’s God. We were created for our God and Father, who is perfectly patient, always faithful, sacrificially forgiving, infinitely wise and loving. He is the One our hearts yearn for...not a Rom-Com connection.  |
The AuthorCome with me as we grow in fellowship with each other and our Savior to whom belongs the Amazing Escape from sin and death and the Amazing Journey into glorious life. Archives
August 2026
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