Prominent writer, Charles L. Allen told of the time illness forced him to the hospital. There, he fretted about his plight and wondered why God let this happen to him. Then a minister friend came by and said, "Charles, I have only one thing to say to you, 'He maketh me to lie down.'" Today, we read about this idea in God's Word.
In our reading, Jacob feared that disaster was near. Death would come at dawn when Esau and his four hundred arrived. "Why did God let this happen?" he probably asked. The answer to that question was soon apparent. During his night of desperation and distress, he found God as a personal friend. From that time on, things were different. Not only was his name changed but his whole life as well.
Often in our distress, we tend to question. However, we may be assured that God has a purpose in what He is allowing to happen. Whether it be sickness, sorrow, or suffering, in our time of trouble we can know Him in a newer and better way. God uses these trials to change our lives. Then, it is worth it all. That is why the psalmist said: Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. You are good, and do good...It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes (Psalm 119:67-68, 71).
“Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.”
Genesis 32:11 KJV
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