God's Care

The man said, “From now on, your name will no longer be Jacob. You will be called Israel, because you have wrestled with God and with men, and you have won.”

Genesis 32:28 (CEV)

Jacob was terrified. God had told him to move back to the land where he grew up and had promised to take care of him. The problem was, when Jacob left his brother, Esau, years before, his brother wanted to kill him. Jacob obeyed God and took his family and belongings, but he got news that Esau was coming toward him . . . with an army of 400 men!

Jacob sent various animals ahead as gifts to help change Esau’s mind. He hoped Esau would accept them.

Jacob was all alone one night, waiting to see what would happen. An unknown man, who Jacob believed was God disguised as a man, came and wrestled with him until just before sunrise. He wouldn’t let go of this man who he believed was God, and he begged for his blessing. Eventually the man blessed him and left.

The next day, he met with his brother and Esau forgave him! No one got hurt and the two brothers were happy. God took care of Jacob, just as he had promised.

Sometimes when we’re afraid, we struggle to trust God. We have doubts and fears. But if we keep holding on, God will bring us through.

TIME TO PRAY

Thank you, God, that I can trust you. You will take care of me when I obey. Help me be brave to do what you want.

GOD'S WONDERFUL WORLD

Leaf-footed bugs wrestle with each other using their back legs. The winner gets the food or territory.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help expand your children's Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Job 42:1–3

Job 42:5

Matthew 7:7–8

Romans 8:38–39