Listen

Jacob got up during the night, took his two wives, his two women servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed the Jabbok River’s shallow water. He took them and everything that belonged to him, and he helped them cross the river. But Jacob stayed apart by himself, and a man wrestled with him until dawn broke.

Genesis 32:22-24

Think

I grew up in the upstate of South Carolina, and when I graduated high school most of my friends stayed in state and attended the state school only an hour away from our hometown. I chose to drive 16 hours to Waco, Texas to attend Baylor University. I did not know a single person attending Baylor and most of the people I grew up with did not even know Baylor existed. And yet, God called me to Waco. Pushing me outside my comfort zone, challenging me to trust even when I did not understand.

Jacob walking into the darkness unable to see what lies ahead is symbolic of his life. Tomorrow he will go to meet his brother whom he has mistreated. He does not know if he will find anger and violence or forgiveness and welcome, but regardless of what the next day holds he knows God has called him to make amends.

Think about your life. Are you, like Jacob, at a crossroads? Is God calling you to step out into the unknown? Speak to someone at school or work who is unfamiliar? Stand for something unpopular?

Kelli Kirksey

Pray

God, today I confess
My want to stay inside the walls I built
My love for that which is familiar.

Give me the courage
To listen when you call and
To step out into the unknown.

Amen.

Go

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Saviour

Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, and Salomon Ligthelm in “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” (2013)