Jacob fears Esau but desires to obey God, listening to God’s angels who visited him. So, he separates his people into two camps in case Esau attacks. He sends gifts ahead, hoping to curtail the anger and retaliation he anticipates. Jacob voices his hope that God will hold fast to His promise to prosper Jacob.

We often fear possibilities in life. We anticipate certain outcomes of troublesome circumstances we have caused for ourselves. No matter our sin, though, our anxiety concerning future possibilities is unwarranted. God is sovereign. He does not depend on our past action to determine our future. His lovingkindness toward His people never fails. His will will be done So, we do not fret. We have the freedom to be content in every circumstance and despite every future possibility we perceive.

Though we can relate to Jacob, we must be careful not to insert ourselves into the text. God’s promises to Jacob were for Jacob, not us. The promises of prosperity, here, are for Jacob, not every Christian. We are each placed in our circumstances from birth according to God’s will for His glory, rich and poor alike. If we prosper, it is because of God. If we are impoverished, it is because of God. He calls us to contentment and to steward what He gives for His glory, not ours.

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