Doing Things In Order

By Bonnie Ricks, This Day's Devotional Saturday, October 23, 2004

Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, O LORD , who said to me, 'Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,' (Genesis 32:9 NIV)

Jacob was about to walk into what would surely be one of the most difficult situations of his life. He was going back home where he would have to see Esau. Esau, his elder brother from whom he had stolen his birthright. Esau, the one person who had every right to hate him. Esau, the brother who had sworn to kill him the last time they were together. Jacob was frightened. He didn't know what was going to happen, but by all rights, the confrontation could prove to be fatal. What did Jacob do? He prayed.

When confronted with frightening situations in our own lives, we have two choices - panic or pray. Panic is our normal course of action. Or fear. Or anger. Or defensiveness. We call all our friends, looking for guidance and reassurance. We frantically do everything we can to either prepare for the situation or avoid it altogether. We worry and fret and moan and call some more friends, seeking solace or advice or just a friendly voice.

But what we should do is stop everything, drop to our knees and pray. We should ask God for guidance first, not our friends. We should ask God for wisdom first, not our friends. We should ask God for protection first, not our friends. Why? Because God is our only true and steadfast source of truth and protection and strength. He is the only One Who will never fail us, no matter what. He is the only One on Whom we can depend, no matter what. His wisdom and His protection won't be tainted with selfish aims. His love is not measured according to what we've done to deserve it. His advice isn't distorted by the world or twisted because of bad experiences.

Remember this… unlike people, our Lord will never leave you nor forsake you. He is always there, always unchanging, always loving you - no matter what. Remember that the next time you are afraid.

From Newsong Ministries
Newsong6@bellsouth.net

Used with permission.