Good morning,

Jacob had remained in LaBan’s house for over 20 years and raised his family there. There comes a time when you need to leave (Proverbs 25:17). For Jacob and his families, that time was long past due as fights had started to crop up between Jacob and Laban’s sons. So he called his wives, told them his plans, and asked for their thoughts and they agreed that it was time to go to Bethel. The problem Jacob had was that when he left home, he left behind a very big problem and that was Esau and the need to make things right with him. A point to make here is that when we run away from our problems, they will always be waiting for us when we come back as in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) and Onesimus (Philemon 1:10-25).

Coming to the Lord does not make our problems go away, it paves the way for the Lord to help us navigate the waters of repentance and healing if we allow it. My encouragement for you today is if you have run away from your problems, let this be the day to end those years of pain and fear. The Lord wants to heal and restore you today, let this be the day.

Father,

Facing our fears is not an easy thing because it means going back to the mess we left behind. I know that there is no place that you will not go to help your servants put behind the years of pain and sorrow. I pray for those today who are enduring extreme medical issues and require a fresh touch from you. I pray for those who are caught in the valley of decision today. May your peace ever be upon me and those who read these posts.

I.H.S. MK