Genesis 32:7-8 "Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed: and he divided the people that was with him, and the flocks, and herds, and the camels, into two bands; (8) And said, If Esau come to the one company, and smite it, then the other company which is left shall escape."
This morning, we look back at the time when Jacob had sent men out to spy on
Esau. They had brought a report back to him that said, "We came to thy
brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him."
We can only imagine the thoughts going through Jacob's mind. He knew Esau had
hated him when he left home and had the intention of killing Jacob if he ever
saw him again. Now, he hears that Esau is coming to him with four hundred
men. Yes, I can understand why "Jacob was greatly afraid and
distressed..." As you read through this chapter, you see Jacob was
still trying to make his own way. He divided the people with him into groups so
those who were his most loved would be able to escape if the first group was
attacked. He did his own devising and then he stopped to pray.
Do we ever do this same sort of thing? Do we ever make our own plans without
consulting God and THEN turn to Him to ask His blessings upon our own plans? I
think this is probably a regular occurence. It was after Jacob had prayed that
God then came to him and they wrestled all night. I want to write a few words
about the name, Israel, that had been given to Jacob. "Thy name shall be
called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and
with men, and hast prevailed." God gave Jacob the understanding that, yes
he had had power with men through his own ideas, but his ability could only
take him so far. There comes a time when we have to stop looking at the
struggles in life that bring fear and distress and start looking at that which
is not seen. Let me use the words of Paul to explain: "But we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God,
and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7) There comes a time in our lives
(probably many times) when we have to stop and confess to God, "I cannot
handle this on my own. I need help." Don't be afraid to acknowledge
that to God. Don't wrestle with Him over that issue; rather, put it in His
hands. Release to Him your will and your way and then He will show you His will
and His way - which is always right and good and perfect.