Draw Near – 365 Guides to Greater Intimacy with GodSample

THE HARE AND THE HOUND Aesop tells of the hare casually nibbling grass in the thicket when a hungry hound came upon him. The hare shot out from the woods and finally outran the scrambling dog. When the rabbit stopped, a nearby shepherd remarked, "It never ceases to amaze me how an animal as small and weak as you can outlast a big, strong hound." "It's really not hard to understand," the rabbit replied. "Remember, he was only running for his dinner--I was running for my life." In today's prayer (Genesis 32:9-12, 24-30), Jacob was running for his life. Before long, he would come face to face with his angry brother who had threatened to kill him. In utter desperation, Jacob pleaded with God to help him in the impending crisis. And God answered that sincere prayer. There are some who downgrade prayers of crisis. However, we are wise to disregard what the critics say and pray in desperation for our needs. Twice, Jacob pleaded with God and God answered. He gave Jacob assurance for the future, and in praise, Jacob replied, "I have seen God face to face." Thank God we can pray when we are at peace. However, we can also pray when our world is crashing down. God hears and answers in both situations.