Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 13, 2023: SOAP #4789: Genesis 31-33; Luke 13

SCRIPTURE:  Genesis (NIV) 32:9 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,’ 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. …
11 Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.
12 But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”

OBSERVATION:  When Jacob had left, it was because Esau had threatened to kill him. (Genesis 27)   Now God is sending him back home.  Jacob is terrified of meeting His brother.  He split his herds and family into several groups and sent them ahead to meet Esau.  Then Jacob prayed.  In prayer, he reminded God that it was at God’s direction he was returning home.  He humbly confessed his unworthiness of God’s blessings.  He prayed for God’s intervention to save him from Esau’s wrath.  And he closed by praying the promise God had given him. 

APPLICATION: When God gives an assignment, He gives His promise.  It is not uncommon to encounter difficulties when doing God’s assignments.  Like Jacob, when we face those difficulties, we need to pray.  And when we pray, we should pray the promises!  Jacob finished his prayer with, “But YOU have said…”    

God will often use people to fulfill His promises; He may use me to let people know, but it is not for me to try to convince people to help.  My focus should be on God and His word.  The Holy Spirit is a much better persuader than am I.  God will be blessed when I put my whole trust in Him. God will be blessed when people respond to His call.

What are God’s promises to me?    

PRAYER:   Thank you for using me in your kingdom.  Thank you for your promises of your Presence and your provision.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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