DAY 7: Jacob and Esau: Forgiven: Genesis 33

Happy Wednesday!
We're halfway through the week!!!

Genesis 33 is a big chapter in Jacob's life. Twenty years earlier, Jacob had left his home because of his brother, Esau, who had sworn to kill him for stealing his birthright (wouldn't you want to too!) and their father's blessing (Genesis 27: 41-45). Rebekah, his mother, had told him that when Esau was no longer angry with him, she would send word for him. And well, Rebekah never sent for Jacob. Leading Jacob to believe that 20 years did not lessen Esau's anger. Which caused Jacob to fear Esau in a big way.  God brought Jacob to the place  where he recognized that he needed to make things right with his brother. The scene is set up as if the most epic brother rivalry was about to take place... Imagine the Jonas Brothers getting in the biggest fight with each other! I'm sure Jacob wished that he wouldn't have to face off with his brother Esau, but he prepared himself.

Just like in our faith. It is not always easy, and we sometimes have to deal with issue after another. But we have to recognize that great times of blessing are sometimes followed by great trials of faith. We need to be prepared for the tension and challenges in our personal relationships. We also need to remember that God makes promises to "get into the fire with us" and help us along the way. Whenever a problem comes up, you have two options:

1. You can run from it..
2. You can face it head on

Most of us are tempted to run but we must see that the problem never foes away. We will always have to face up to it. I know people say this all the time, but it really is better to deal with your problems quickly because they, most of the time, are never as bad as it seems. And if you ever need anyone to vent to, I'm here for all of you...

A major lesson of this chapter is that those who have received God's grace may trust in God's promise of protection when they seek reconciliation with others. If you are in a conflict with somebody today, try to make up. The fact that by doing so you will be imitating the reconciling heart of God. I'm not saying it's gonna be easy, but with this attitude, I'm sure you will see a change in the dynamics(for the better) between the people you are in relationships with.

Have a good one guys!

Anne :)