”And Jacob sent[b] messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom, instructing them, “Thus you shall say to my lord Esau: Thus says your servant Jacob, ‘I have sojourned with Laban and stayed until now. I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, in order that I may find favor in your sight”. Genesis 32:3-5 

God was with Jacob. God called him out of a foreign land to return to the land of promise, the land of his fathers. God protected Jacob from harm, keeping Laban, his father-in-law, and his enemy from harming him or his family. Jacob was walking in obedience, fulfilling his vow to return to the promised land and walk with his God. But then Esau, his brother and first enemy was closing in. Even though God protected him from Laban, Jacob was very afraid and upset. He had stolen the blessing of the firstborn from his brother, and the last time they saw one another, Esau had vowed to kill him.

Very early in Jacob’s life, his shrewd character was revealed. He was cunning and clever, skilled at getting what he wanted. He knew how to manipulate a situation or deceive a person to accomplish his plans. Until this point, there is no record of him seeking God’s help. The scenes surrounding this event show the development of Jacob’s character. He trusted God to protect him from Laban, and he was obedient to God’s command to return to the land. In all of the previous situations that Jacob manipulated, it is never recorded that he prayed before acting. Yet, now, when his first enemy was coming his way with 400 men, Jacob sought God’s protection and deliverance.

Even though he was beginning to change, Jacob still developed a plan to save himself. The gifts he set aside for Esau were an attempt to repay him for the blessing he had stolen years earlier. Jacob sought to appease his brother by giving him a large portion of the blessing that God had appointed to him, not Esau. Jacob’s gift shows he was so afraid of Esau’s wrath that he was willing to give up what God had divinely given him. Jacob asked God for rescue but then tried to rescue himself.

How often do we, like Jacob, seek God’s protection, provision, or wisdom and then continue with our plans? As we seek to choose the things of God and not the things of the world, we must recognize that we often have to wait for God’s answer. His plans are never thwarted, His blessings never delayed, but our tendency to be afraid and upset can easily cause us to rely on ourselves for deliverance. Instead of trusting His timing, we might take extreme measures to guarantee our rescue. May we trust God in all circumstances and wait for His deliverance.

Our God is a God of redemption.

Jacob’s past deceit returned in the form of what appeared to be his angry brother Esau. Although Jacob had learned from his mistakes and grown to be a righteous man, it seemed to Jacob as though his brother was still harboring feelings of betrayal and bitterness from his approach of bringing “four hundred men” with him. However, Jacob acted with both wisdom and faith in the midst of this scary situation. He split his camp in two so his entire family and wealth wouldn’t be completely destroyed if Esau were to attack, but he also prayed to the Lord in a way we should follow when we face a crisis today.

Jacob recalls God’s character. In calling to God as the “God of my father Abraham . . . my father Isaac,” Jacob remembers the faithfulness of God in the past to give him hope for the future.

Jacob remembers God’s command. In remembering the command to “go back to your country and your relatives,” Jacob strengthens his faith to complete the work God set before him. 

Jacob expresses humble gratitude. When Jacob says, “I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant,” he is showing a state of gratitude and humility, even in his desperation. This should be how we approach God in all of our prayers.

Jacob makes his requests and concerns known to God. Much like we’re instructed by Paul to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), Jacob asks the Lord for help and protection. He is honest with the Lord regarding his fear, but he doesn’t let his fear hinder his prayer. He surrendered all his cares on the Lord because he knew God was faithful and kind enough to take them (1 Peter 5:7). 

The angels of God appeared to Jacob, to encourage him with the assurance of the Divine protection. When God designs his people for great trials, he prepares them by great comforts. Bible Hub