Read: Genesis 28:10-22
To provide a little context to this chapter, Jacob has just deceived his father and stolen his brother’s blessing. He is now fleeing to escape his brother’s wrath, unsure of his future, and has stopped to rest for the night. Overnight, the Lord appeared to him, confirming the promise and plan He has for Jacob’s life. When Jacob awoke he realized “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it…This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
In today’s current climate, the fear and uncertainty we might be experiencing are the same that Jacob felt at this time. But God used the pain Jacob was feeling to serve as an open door for God to walk through and be present in Jacob’s life. God wants to do the same for you today. He wants to use your pain, your fear, your anxiety, and use it as a door to open the gate of heaven.
That brings us to our verses in Genesis 28:10-22 where Jacob makes this vow in response to God’s goodness;
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s house, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.” -Gen 28:20-22
I believe this is a prayer we can pray today in regard to our current uncertain state of affairs;
I feel it’s important to point out that as we read Jacob’s vow in our language today, it sounds like an if/then deal with God… “Lord if you do this, then I’ll do that.” But the original translation implies no doubt on Jacob’s part. This was not a deal with God, rather a statement of covenant that God WILL do these things, and I in return will do these things in gratitude, because I don’t deserve them. While Jacob’s future was uncertain, this vow held no uncertainty but rather anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promise. Jacob didn’t put his trust in a Costco-sized case of tp…he put his trust in TP…The Promise!
It’s also worthy of note that God appeared to Jacob while he was resting. In a time of anxiety and crisis, we scramble to do things to feel we are in control (such as buy illogical amounts of toilet paper?). Remember that HE is in control, and He is for you, not against you.
Pray this vow that Jacob made over your life today – ask God to open your eyes to His presence, thank Him for providing for your needs, believe in the restoration that is to come, BE the church, and stay faithful in what He’s asked you to do. This time of pain and uncertainty can be the door that God uses to walk into your life in a way you have never experienced before, in a way that can only be experienced when walking through the valley.
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Audrey Morrison | 23rd Mar 20
SO, SO true, Crys! In so many situations during the past week or so, the words uttered by Queen Esther resonate with me: “For such a time as this…”
We can apply that maxim ourselves, with regard to our finances, our isolation from everyone but Almighty God Himself, our own health, our nation and what we are facing.
Thank you for sharing these insights, Crys! <3