God Experienced

Here's an entry from my journal reflecting upon Genesis 32:1-8,

Jacob went on his way, and God’s angels met him. When he saw them, Jacob said, “This is God’s camp.” So he called that place Mahanaim.
Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. He commanded them, “You are to say to my lord Esau, ‘This is what your servant Jacob says. I have been staying with Laban and have been delayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male and female slaves. I have sent this message to inform my lord, in order to seek your favor. ’”
When the messengers returned to Jacob, they said, “We went to your brother Esau; he is coming to meet you — and he has 400 men with him.” Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed; he divided the people with him into two camps, along with the flocks, cattle, and camels. He thought, “If Esau comes to one camp and attacks it, the remaining one can escape.”

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Sometimes the most amazing verses in the Bible are the ones seemingly passed over by the author, and if you're not careful you might pass over them too. Having just finished a lengthy meeting with his father-in-law, Laban, Jacob is finally set free from his bonds to his father-in-law and allowed to return to the promise land to begin a new chapter in his life. Sandwiched between these two significant events in his life is this tiny verse celebrating the LORD's visible presence in his life. Yet notice in proceeding verses just how quickly Jacob forgets who is on his side, fear of his brother's past desire for vengeance has blinded him and caused Jacob to forget what and who he saw moments before.

Take a lesson from Jacob. David, you have experienced God in physically tangible ways in your life, on a hospital bed in Layette, IN; on a park bench in Wheaton, IL; and in a dorm room in Taipei, TW, ROC. You, David, have witnessed to the glory of God acted out in your life, don't forget. DON'T forget! Don't let fear of the world, people and earthly events, shake your assurance. Remain ground in the firm foundation that is found in the mighty hand of God.
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So many of us are quick to forget our past God-experiences. Too quick to fear present terrors. Too blinded to remember God's forever presence in our life. The point here in Genesis 32 is, "DON'T FORGET!" When trials come, when hopelessness arrives, don't forget, I am here. One of my favorite verses is found in Luke 22:31-32,

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

The LORD is present, and He is praying for you. When you recover, after all the dust has settled; strengthen your brothers. Don't have such a naive view of suffering that you think God has just you in mind when He tests your faith. Strengthen your brothers, David. After Taiwan, after Wheaton, after _________; strengthen YOUR brothers. But in all things remember, I'm with you; I'll never forsake you.