Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my grandfather Abraham and my father, Isaac--O LORD, you told me to return to my land and to my relatives, and you promised to treat me kindly. Genesis 32:9 NLT

Jacob was about to meet his brother Esau again for the first time in 20 years. Try to imagine the thoughts that must have been going through Jacob’s mind that night. He was about to meet face-to-face with the brother he had deceived. He had not seen him since the day he ripped off Esau’s birthright.

How would you feel knowing you were about to meet the person you had cheated out of their most precious possession? Jacob was scared to death.

Jacob devised a plan to meet his brother, sending gifts ahead of him. He sent his family ahead, wanting to spend time alone preparing for the big day. As he settled down for the night, he couldn’t sleep. He was probably pacing, nervous, worried; his mind racing. There was great fear in his heart.

Questions such as, "What will tomorrow hold? What will happen to me and to my family?" Jacob couldn’t sleep and he needed direction.

So, perhaps like I often do when I’m in a tough spot, he thought to himself, "I’d better pray." He sent his family and belongings across the river and was alone in the dark with his thoughts and fears…but not for long. Jacob may have intended to wrestle alone, or continue to talk with God, we don’t know for sure, but we know that God showed up that night! God came to prepare him for tomorrow, but better yet, God came to prepare him for life!

Jacob prayed to God, and as is confirmed later in the story, God was listening. This should remind us that when we have great fear, God is with us. If you are facing the unknowns, call out to God. He is listening and waiting for you to come to Him.

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