Fathers - Wrestling with Your Angel (Pt. 4)

In every man’s life, there will come a storm. Storms are natural as well as spiritual. But regardless of the kind of storm a man may face, he will face a storm. Most of you men reading this blog have had to face storms in your lives. Many of you are facing storms right now! One thing is true, storms cannot be avoided. At some point in every man’s life, he must endure a storm. This may involve a storm in your relationship, your finances, your employment, or your health. Regardless of the type of storm you face, one thing is sure—there will be a storm.  

We continue to focus on Jacob as he returned home to his father’s house from his pilgrimage with Laban. He now had wives, children, and possessions. God had increased him while he was away from his family. However, this did not come without storms. In short, Jacob had to kidnap his own family and flee from his father-in-law. He was on his way home, but there was still another storm. This storm was his brother, Esau. He had sent messengers ahead of himself to his brother, Esau. The messengers returned with the news that his brother was coming to meet him, with four hundred men. This truly confirmed that there was a storm ahead of him.

 Mark Batterson, in his book, Play The Man, recounts the stormy life of General Andrew Jackson. He tells his response amid calamity: “I was born for the storm, and the calm does not suit me.” Mark draws this conclusion:

When the sea is calm, no one needs a sailor! Anyone can captain the ship in that situation. But when a perfect storm threatens to capsize your marriage or drown your dreams, you must play the man. A true man doesn’t sit back. He steps up and steps in. He fights the good fight, even when it seems like all is lost. Why? Because a true man is born for the storm.

 Jacob knew that he could not avoid this storm. Although he had sent all that he owned before him, he knew that he must face his brother Esau. What do you do when you know there is no other choice—you must go through the storm. When there is no alternative available, you must prepare for the storm. Jacob prayed before the storm and praised God after he survived the storm. The point is simple; there will be storms, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Jacob put his trust in God! I encourage you to do the same. Regardless of your storm, you don’t have to go through it alone. God is always on your side. He will go ahead of you and make way for you and yours to survive whatever storm you are facing. I pray that God will show Himself strong on your behalf and bless you through your storm.