Living life in your power results in defeat, frustration and depression. Starting my first job after college revealed my sense of inadequacy. I felt incompetent and anxious in trying to meet the expectations of my boss. It was a very humbling experience. Calling upon the Lord allowed me to survive each day. Similarly, Jacob experienced an uncomfortable episode in his life. The pressure points to the priority of prayer.
God told him to make an altar to Him representing prayer. Jacob was reminded of the fearful time when God appeared when he fled from Esau. Jacob instructed his household to put away foreign gods, purify themselves and change their garments. His household gave Jacob all the foreign gods, which he hid under the oak. As they journeyed, great terror came upon the people in the cities around them, and they did not pursue the sons of Jacob (Gen. 35:1-5). Forsaking false gods and putting on the armor of God through prayer protects you from spiritual and physical enemies.
Jacob built altar in Bethel because God revealed Himself when he fled Esau. God appeared to Jacob again and said his name would be Israel. God said, “I am God Almighty, be fruitful and multiply, a nation and company of nations and kings shall come from you. The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you.” Jacob set up a pillar of stone and poured out a libation and oil where God spoke. He named the place, Bethel or the house of God (Gen. 35:6-15). Waiting on God through prayer releases His power in multiplying disciples.
Rachel died after giving birth to Benjamin. Esau and Jacob buried their father, Isaac, an old man satisfied with his days (Gen. 35:16-29). God sovereignly orchestrates experiences to reinforce the priority of seeking Him in prayer.
How has God applied pressure to show you the priority of prayer? In that tough area, begin to pray and watch Him work.
