Text: Genesis 32:9-12  

Introduction
 
Jacob ran away from his father-in-law Laban.
Laban goes after Jacob. ( Genesis 31)
Jacob and Laban celebrate peace with a dinner. ( Genesis 31: 54:55 )
Laban comes back to his home town and Jacob continues on his way.
Genesis 32:1 says that angels were with Jacob.
Application: Psalm 34:7. Angels protect us.
Genesis 32:3 Jacob sends messengers ahead of him to look for his brother Esau.
Genesis 32:6 “ Esau is coming with four-hundred men”
Genesis 32:7 - A great fear takes over Jacob.
What does he do?

• Genesis 32:7b. He takes a few precautions to take care of his family.
• Genesis 32:9. He prays. ( Genesis 32:13 all-night long) 

What does he say in his prayer?

01. He recognizes God’s grace upon his family and upon himself. 
 
Genesis 32:9.  
His grandfather Abraham, his father Isaac and himself. All under God’s care.
To remember the past is good to firm our faith. 
Happy is the man who has a family history with God.
Another difficult moment approached.
He remembers of the difficult moments of his family and how God took care of them.
He remembers God’s words. ( Genesis 32: 9 ). Has a conversation with God. 
 
02. He recognized that did not deserve anything.  
 
Genesis 32:10.
He remembers how God was good for him.
He shows humbleness: “I am not worthy of your goodness”.
Went through the Jordan, with my staff...
Illustration: Genesis 32:13. The gift that he set aside for his brother.
How did you arrive in this country?

03. He recognizes the need for protection.

Genesis 32:11b.
I am afraid. He is in great difficulty.
The modern man pretends that he is not afraid.
There’s solution for everything. The well-being is right there.
Illustration: 1973. Former president Peron came back to Argentina.
“Hope there is a war outbreak” said one sister. Would then people turn to God?
Why not seek the Lord when everything goes well?
Illustration: 1973. Former president Peron came back to Argentina.
“Hope there is a war outbreak” said one sister.
Would then people turn to God?
Why not seek the Lord when everything goes well?

04. He recognizes that he can trust in God’s promises.  
 
Genesis 32:12.
We fulfill the Lord’s commandments.
We trust in the Lord’s promises. 
Genesis 28:13,15. When Jacob left his parents’ house, God made him a promise. 
He remembered the promises. We normally forget. 
 
Conclusion.
 
Genesis 32:22-29. Jacob turns to prayer again. 
He experiences peace in his heart. Genesis 32:30. 
He experiences peace with his brother Genesis 33:4.
When we do not pray, we leave “God aside”. 
We need actions and prayers.