20/08/2017 - THEE PRAYER THAT PREVAILS

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Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. Genesis 32:11

The return to Canaan was overseen by the eyes of God, but this didn’t mean that all was calm and guaranteed like we would want it to be, because the Lord would show his might to Jacob, as long as he would carry his share in the battle of prayer.  Truly, if the Most High is directing the situation, there is no reason to worry about the threat and the dangers, be it from men, the devil or even for lack of resources.  The Omnipotent is mighty to supply our needs.

We don’t know if Jacob prayed to God for Him to reproach Laban in case he chased Jacob to practice any harm against him; but Laban was reproached. Jacob then met up with the servants he had sent to Esau, who had promised to kill him, in order to tell him he was going to Canaan. Learning that his older brother 

Esau would meet him with 400 men, he was afraid.  However he took measures to change the outcome.

He entered into prayer and spoke to God concerning His orders and that he would do well.  He reminded the Lord, that with his staff he had crossed the Jordan and divided his group into two (V.7) By praying and confessing what God has said and done only strengthens and reinforces our faith and reaches out and touches the heart of the Omnipotent.  We can’t be shy when we cry out nor believe or declare that we are undeserving of divine intervention.

Jacob confessed to be less than all the blessings and goodness and faithfulness that God had had with him (V.10). Now, the Lord would do something but the battle was not won yet.  He still had to open his heart even more; then, directed by the Holy Spirit he made a request that could not be denied (V.11). Jacob knew that if it were denied he would not survive.

 Immediately he went straight to the point and asked God to deliver him from his brother’s hand because he knew Esau’s nature and intentions.  He even went further and said he feared that Esau would smite him dead and his family too!  Never play or fool with the treats of those who are at the devil’s call and service because suddenly they may cause you great harm, loss or even take your life.  That servant of God needed deliverance which can only come from God Himself!

The heir to the promises reminded the Almighty of the following words: I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude (V.12). It is good to always remember any declaration from the Father concerning yourself because He is faithful in fulfilling His promises.  Jacob spent the night in Mahanaim and sent present to Esau (v.2,13). However, the true present would come from the Lord who removed all hatred from his brother’s heart.

Jacob’s anguish and agony was great so he made his whole family cross over the ford of Jabbok.  He prayed so much that a man fought with him until dawn broke.  Then, his name was changed to Israel, because he fought with God like a prince and prevailed (V. 24-28). Furthermore, the Lord changed Esau’s heart, as he will also change everything in answer to your prayer.

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares