Jacob’s prayer                                                                 February 21, 2010

Gen. 32, 24-30
So the presents went before him, but himself lodged that night in the camp.  And rising early he took his two wives, and his two handmaids, with his eleven sons, and passed over the ford of Jacob.
"And when all thing were brought over that belonged to him, he remained alone....and behold a man wrestled with till morning.....and he said to him:  "Let me go, for it is the break of day.  I will not let you go until you bless me"  "What is your name?"

I have struggled with this passage from Genesis since it was assigned to me. I have read it again and again and studied the biblical commentators and scholars to see what they say, but somehow the words would not come to me. This morning at the "break of day" I now understand.  God called my mom this morning and said "Come home your struggle is over-you have wrestled for many months...you have asked that I bring you home...yes you have suffered much, but your mansion is now ready.  I will call your name and you will be Home."

Jacob accepted finally Gods call to be reconciled with his brother Esau.
It was a terrible journey for him...the distance, the elements of nature, the many possessions... he tried though mostly in fear to do as God asked, but in the end he still wrestled with his fears and doubted his choices in life...  When God told Jacob to make this journey...he struggled and struggled...but through it all Gods promise to be with him was his strength...

So it was for mom, for months she has wrestled with death...she has prayed and prayed to be taken....this morning old, and so very tired, with so many fears, the battle is over.... "He has called her name...."

Heavenly Father, hold us as we struggle with this day.  Give us courage to fight as Jacob did....   Our faith tells us that a mansion is truly being prepared for us, and we will be joined with our brothers and sisters where forgiveness and love bring true peace.  The road is not easy, life's challenges at times seem unbearable, but we know heavenly Father that you are with us....loving us....holding us....calling our name

Ann Potrament