PODCAST
Self-Reliance or God-Reliance
November 2nd, 2021
Genesis 32:13-21
Jacob is extremely nervous. Yes, he has heard clearly from God that he needs to go back; and, yes, he has received a promise that God will be with him “and make [him] prosper” (Genesis 32:12). But he is still not sure things are going to turn out well.
Jacob decides it might be best to just rely on his wits. He knows it’s worked before! Thus, he sends scores of gifts ahead of him to pacify his potentially angry brother. In the best-case scenario, his brother is going to like the gifts and treat him kindly. In the worst-case scenario, a large number of noisy animals will make an ambush by Esau less likely.
Honestly, I can’t count the times that I, like Jacob, have chosen to rely on my own strategic abilities instead of just trusting God. There’s nothing wrong with having a plan, but all too often I am more concerned with getting my preferred results than I am with being obedient and letting God do His work in and through me. However, when I do trust Him, the results are so much better!
Author: Davide Cantarella
