God will not abandon us

As we read the book of Genesis we come across people who had great faith. Jacob is one of those. Jacob was the younger of the two brothers, but as a result of deception, obtained the birthright. This angered his brother intensely, so he fled to another country.

Having fled with only his clothes and a staff, he now prepared to return to his angry brother with flocks, herds, wives and 11 sons among his many possessions. Truly he had been blessed by God. God now was telling Jacob to "return to your relatives" with the promise that, "I will be with you". That is the same relative that wanted him dead.

But Jacob displayed trust in God and picked his family and possessions and headed home. When he got close to home, he sent messengers to his brother, Esau. They returned with news that Esau was coming to meet him. A great family reunion? Maybe not, Esau was coming with 400 men.

Here is where we see Jacob displaying faith in God, but at the same time wondering what it was that God was sending him into. Jacob believed Esau was coming with his 400 men to get even for the birthright incident. He divides his possessions and family into groups so that if one is attacked, the others could escape. Is this complete trust in the God that told him to head home? Maybe not. It is probably not much different than us. Although we have faith that God will take care of us, we still see the dangers around us. We experience pain and suffering. We may even ask, "Where is God right now?"

None of that stopped Jacob from obeying God. He went out to meet Esau and ended up reconciling with his older brother. God knew exactly what was happening, and going to happen. Jacob did not, but was obedient all the same.

We too, must be ready to obey the commands of God, even when we are not sure what the outcome will be. Just like with Jacob, God will not abandon us. He is always faithful.

~ Paul Brunsman