Promises and Re-al-i-ty

Then Jacob prayed, "O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O LORD, You told me, 'Return to your own land and to your relatives.' And You promised me, 'I will treat you kindly.' I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness You have shown to me, Your servant. When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps! O LORD, please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. But You promised me, 'I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count.'" (Genesis 32:9-12 NLT)

"I know what you're saying, Pete, and I guess that's what the Bible says.  But I've got to be more realistic.  That 'spiritual' stuff is fine.  But that's not the way the real world works."

I've heard that statement (or something similar) many, many times over the years.  Sometimes it will come after I preach/teach about God's promises.  Other times it comes during a counseling session when someone seeks my advice and I share one or more of God's promises that apply to their situation.  The look in their eye is always the same.  Shock, doubt, and struggle all communicate themselves clearly through their eyes and facial expressions.  Then they look for a "nice way" to explain to me how the world "really works."  It's a sight to see.

Jacob struggled with this as well.  He knew that he had purchased his brother's birthright for only a meal.  He knew that he stole his brother's blessing from their father through trickery that his mom told him to do.  Now, he was about to face his brother, Esau, after being away for 20 years.  Esau was bringing an army of 400 men.  This didn't look good.  That was the "real world."

God promised, though, that Jacob would be greatly blessed.  God promised that his descendants would become as numerous as the sands along the seashore.  God promised to be kind to Jacob.  Which one is reality?  What should he do?

Jacob does exactly what he should do with this kind of struggle.  He takes it to God in prayer.  

"God, I'm doing what you told me to do.  I'm following your instruction manual.  I'm counting on your promises.  Did I miss something?  Am I following something wrong?  Is there more to the picture that I should know?  My reality doesn't seem to match your instructions and promises.  Please, help me to know what to do...and I will do it."

The next time there seems to be a disconnect between God's promises and "reality," take it to Him in prayer.  See what happens.  You may be surprised.