Genesis 32:7 In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.
What do you do when you are stuck between a rock and a hard place? What do you do when you cannot move forward or backward? What do you do when your obedience to God’s instructions have wedged you in an unpleasant place?
Jacob was stuck between a furious father-in-law and a bitter brother. After living with his father-in-law for 20 years, the Lord instructed him in a dream to go back to his homeland. Jacob was gripped with fear that his brother would attack him viciously for stealing his birthright and blessings as a young adult. The teenage turpitude turned into guilt, anxiety and fear. Jacob could neither go back to his father-in-law nor did he have the confidence to face his brother. He was stuck at the banks of River Jabbok! So Jacob sent his family across the River to spend time alone with God.
In the journey of life, we find ourselves stuck between a rock and hard place where we are unable to progress or regress. We are unable to reverse our choices and decisions but we have no courage to move forward. Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper” (Genesis 32:9). The struggle is intense when we follow God’s instruction yet find ourselves hemmed in.
What do you do when you are stuck?
1. Abstain: When we are stuck, God is trying to get our attention. Take a break from the mundane routine to fast and pray. If you cannot fast regular meals, abstain from pleasant food, sweets or desserts and have some time alone with God. Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak (Genesis 32:24). God cares more about our progress and our prosperity than any human on the face of the earth. When we are stuck – fast, abstain and pray.
- Analyze: When you are stuck, do a self-analysis. We seldom rest to recapitulate. Jacob was cunning and canny but he took time to consider and self-evaluate. Reconciliation with God brought a solemn reunion with his brother. When we are stuck – we must self-analyze the steps that led us to the gorge.
- Assimilate: When jammed and jaded reevaluate God’s Word and His promises. The Lord is concerned more about fulfilling His promises than we care about moving forward. Jacob quoted back God’s promise to His grandfather Abraham. You have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’ (Genesis 32:12). The basis of our prayer must not be about the pit but the promises of God. When you are stuck – assimilate(understand) the mind of God and reiterate the promises of God.
When we are stuck, God wants our attention – abstain, analyze and assimilate.
Genesis 32:29 Then He blessed him there.
Prayer: Eternal Father, Your plan from me is to progress and not to pin me down. When I am stuck, I will cry out to you and you will hear me from your sanctuary. Amen.
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