Jacob feared Essau. He had every reason to. Jacob has swindled Essau out of his birthright and blessing. He was now returning and would have to deal with that fallout. Jacob feared the people of the land. He had every reason to after his sons Simeon and Levi had avenged their sister Dinah's sexual abuse at the hands of Shechem. Jacob came to realize in his life that trouble was in his path. Yet, despite the trouble he faced (mostly caused by his own sin) God was able to give him peace. When Jacob (now named Israel) finally met Essau, his brother's rage was appeased. God made that happen. When Jacob (Israel) left the land of Shechem God caused all the people of the land to fear Israel (35:5). Only God can restore relationships and cause those who wish us harm to be held in check. We sometimes think that it is our own doing that allows these things to happen but in reality it is God who controls these situations and makes peace between men. If we are having any level of strife in our lives due to those around us, it will be God and God alone who will subdue it and bring it to naught. God is in the business of calming the storms in our lives, even if it is a storm caused by our own turbulence. Let us give Him our strife and allow Him to work through it and grant us peace. True peace in relationships only comes from the God of Peace.
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