Relationships Matter
Relationships take work, but they are worth it. At times, we have to struggle with God and with others in the sense that we work out differences and misunderstandings, so we can fully trust each other. Jacob was rewarded by the Lord with a new name, Israel, because he struggled with God and with men, and he prevailed.(Genesis 32:28) What a blessing! Many people just give up trying to relate to God and others, but God wants us to prevail.
Jacob was afraid of what Esau would do when he saw him face to face after 20 years of being away. He was thinking the worst. He was worrying that Esau would come with his 400 men and kill all of them, because of Jacob taking his blessing. Therefore, the night before they met, the Lord Himself went down to meet with Jacob, and they wrestled. Jacob would not let the Lord go until He blessed him. That is when his name was changed to show the change in his life. He was no longer a deceiver, but now he was a "Prince of God." He had trusted God to prevail against Laban's deceptions, and he had been persistent in his meeting with the Lord. His life was totally different from when he left Caanan, because he decided to do it God's way, and trust the Lord, instead of himself. We need to do the same thing.
Then, when he met his brother, he got a hug, instead of being attacked. God was faithful to bring peace and forgiveness, just like He promised. That is what will happen with others, if we trust the Lord and let Him work in their hearts. It might take some time, but we can have good relationships with others in God's power. God knows our lives can't be filled with peace and joy, if our relationships with Him and with others are not right, so He will do what it takes to lead us to have godly relationships.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 34-37.
Jacob was afraid of what Esau would do when he saw him face to face after 20 years of being away. He was thinking the worst. He was worrying that Esau would come with his 400 men and kill all of them, because of Jacob taking his blessing. Therefore, the night before they met, the Lord Himself went down to meet with Jacob, and they wrestled. Jacob would not let the Lord go until He blessed him. That is when his name was changed to show the change in his life. He was no longer a deceiver, but now he was a "Prince of God." He had trusted God to prevail against Laban's deceptions, and he had been persistent in his meeting with the Lord. His life was totally different from when he left Caanan, because he decided to do it God's way, and trust the Lord, instead of himself. We need to do the same thing.
Then, when he met his brother, he got a hug, instead of being attacked. God was faithful to bring peace and forgiveness, just like He promised. That is what will happen with others, if we trust the Lord and let Him work in their hearts. It might take some time, but we can have good relationships with others in God's power. God knows our lives can't be filled with peace and joy, if our relationships with Him and with others are not right, so He will do what it takes to lead us to have godly relationships.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 34-37.