A Devotional by Pastor Cesar Castellanos

Today’s Bible Verse

Then 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,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But 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 32:9-12

Change Your Destiny Through Prayer

Jacob was not an example of good character. He wrestled against his brother Esau from the time he was in his mother’s womb by taking him by the heel. Even though he had not yet been born, this baby was determined to impose himself upon his brother. His name means “usurper,” or “deceitful,” and this name marked his nature. He sought to seize any advantage he could; he was an opportunist, self-centered and egotistic. All that he had sown in his relationship with Esau, he reaped during the time he lived with his father-in-law Laban, because he was naively ‘taken in’ by him. Laban tested Jacob in everything. He was more astute and shrewd than Jacob, much more selfish and more artful. He profited at Jacob’s expense for fourteen years. If God had not intervened Jacob would have ended up empty-handed and with a great many children. God has the following to say about the matter. “For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38). The apostle Paul said, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

Twenty years after leaving home, Jacob returned. All was well until he received the news that his brother Esau was on his way to meet him. The news frightened him and he decided to pray a powerful and sincere prayer. He went straight to the point and asks God to deliver him from the hand of his brother Esau, because he was very afraid for his life. Jacob went before the Lord with an open hear, and a spirit in despair. He was facing an uncertain future, because of the threat of his own brother. Jacob knew very well that Esau was full of resentment, remembering Esau’s heart towards him. “My father will soon die, and I will be sad for him. Then I will kill Jacob” (Genesis 27:41). At this point, Jacob did not want to lose his soul to his brother’s sword. Esau was riding toward him accompanied by four hundred men. Jacob was in turmoil at the thought of his beloved Rachel and his children being placed in harm’s way. He longed, with all of his heart, for divine protection to come over his entire household.

Jacob reminded God of the covenant that He made with Abraham and Isaac. He also humbled himself and said that was is unworthy of His mercy. Nevertheless, God had to keep His promise to Abraham’s descendants.

However, God didn’t go easy on Jacob, and after this prayer an angel appeared. He had come to bring judgment against Jacob because of his past dishonesty, since he had taken his brother’s blessing (Hosea 12:2). But there was something that touched the angel. Jacob’s brokenness when he cried out in tears overcame the angel and he blessed him. Through this encounter, Jacob’s whole life changed.

Something to Think About

After the first few months of attending the church, MCI in Florida, everyone began to ask me when we were planning to have children. My friends would try to convince me how wonderful it is to be a mother. But, I would run from all of this, to such degree that it began bothering me.

“One day, when I arrived at my cell I was surprised to see Pastor Claudia. She shared with us about fear, and then asked each of us what fear we had to face up to in our lives. I was amazed at what came out of my mouth. Before I knew it, I blurted out, “To have children.” The Pastor began to share with me what a great blessing it was to have children; but I began to feel uncomfortable. “Here we go again”, I said to myself. She shared with me about Hanna’s prayer but truthfully I did not want to have children. As we were saying goodbye, she said to me, “See you later Pastor of Multitudes.”

After a few days Pastor Janet Barrios came to share with us a talk about spiritual warfare. While she ministered deliverance she mentioned the spirit of death. In that moment I felt that something came out of me. I remembered that a long time ago I had had an abortion. When I committed that act, a spirit of death and fear had entered me. However, that night I was completely set free. To my surprise as I was leaving the meeting a friend spoke to me about having children and I no longer rejected the idea. Instead, I received her advice and I told her, “I will have children.” As soon as I got home I told my husband, Nixon, ‘We are going to have children, and it will be when God confirms it to me.’ That very night He spoke to me through Isaiah 54; and even though I did not yet know it I was actually already pregnant! Now, I have a beautiful seven-year-old daughter and a 4-year old-son. Being a mother has been one of the most beautiful experiences that God has given to me. I thank God for children!” (Olga Hidalgo).

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for allowing me to be a part of Abraham’s descendants through my faith in Jesus. Today, I humble myself before You, Lord Jesus, to ask You for forgiveness for all the times that I allowed my selfish desire to dominate me. I ask for forgiveness for all the times that I considered my personal benefit above others. Forgive me for the times that I have taken my eyes off of You and I placed them on those things that pleased my fleshly nature. I repent for all of the times that I ignored the Word of God. Jesus, I receive forgiveness through Your redeeming blood. I love You Lord, Amen.

Declaration

I will not fear because the Lord heard my prayer, he forgave me and came to my aid.

Today’s Bible Reading

• Old Testament: Micah 4-5; Job 35
• New Testament: John 18:28-40; Revelation 12