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Jacob Bible Study – Genesis 32

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Reading Genesis Chapter 32 this week, I was reminded of the old days. Growing up in the 70s, we attended a quaint chapel down the road. We didn’t have church bands, overhead projectors, or drums back then—all we had was a faithful piano player, well-loved choruses we knew by heart, and hymnals with lyrics so empowering they still resonate within me today. Our pastor, a tall man with a commanding voice, would lift his hands to heaven, and with a broad smile lighting up his face his voice would fill the sanctuary, reminding us of the safety we have in Christ,

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. 

In Genesis 32:9-12, we see Jacob doing just that—standing on the promises of God. The Bible tells us that when Jacob heard that Esau was coming with 400 men, he was in great fear and distress. After he strategically divided his people into two groups, he prayed for safety and protection. As you read his prayer in verses 9-12, notice that he opens and closes the prayer by citing God’s promises.

Several years ago, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to get together to “pray the promises” with her. At the time I thought it was an odd way of approaching prayer, I didn’t think that God needed me to remind Him of what He already knew. I’ve since come to understand that praying the promises of God is crucial because it strengthens our faith and reminds us of His faithfulness. When we pray the promises, it’s not because God needs reminding, but because we do.

When we incorporate God’s promises into our prayers, we align our requests with His will and character, which brings us closer to Him. It also reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles, as we can confidently rely on God’s unchanging word. This practice not only builds our trust in God but also provides comfort and hope, knowing that His promises are sure and steadfast.

In his book, Praying the Promises, Max Lucado wrote, “We do not need more opinions or hunches; we need the definitive declarations of our mighty and loving God. He governs the world according to these great and precious promises. Let’s be who we were made to be: People of the Promise. Let’s keep these promises handy. Praise Him out loud. Fill our lungs with air and hearts with hope and declare our belief in God’s goodness.” 

I love how he said, “We do not need more opinions or hunches; we need the definitive declarations of our mighty and loving God.” If you’re anything like me, when fear arises my first reaction is to run to my husband or call a close friend. Most often than not, when I do that, I’m getting a second opinion.  Of course, it can be good to get the counsel of a wise and trusted friend, but our first response should always be running to God.

So, what is a good way to pray the promises? Here are a few:

• Blend prayer and Bible study together. Allow yourself time to pause and pray while you are reading. As you encounter a promise in Scripture, stop and pray it back to God. For example, when you read Philippians 4:19, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” you might pause to thank God for His provision and ask Him to meet specific needs in your life.
• Make a list of God’s promises. Write down verses that speak to you, and keep them in a place where you can refer to them often. Use this list during your prayer time to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness and to guide your prayers. This practice can help you focus on God’s words rather than your circumstances.
• Highlight them in your Bible. As you read through Scripture, highlight or underline the promises that stand out to you. This makes it easier to find and pray these promises later. It also helps you to visually see and remember the promises God has given, reinforcing them in your mind and heart.

Like Jacob, we too can find strength and reassurance by standing on God’s promises, knowing that His words are steadfast and true.

This Week’s Challenge

Take some time each day this week to meditate on a promise of God that speaks to your current situation. Write it down or highlight it in your Bible and pray it back to God, just as Jacob did in Genesis 32. 

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

TUESDAY: GENESIS 32:1-2

Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife or on Youtube (subscribe while you’re there)

Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 32:1-2, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. If you are new to the group, now is a good time to introduce yourself. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY – Genesis 32:3-23

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 32:3-23, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

THURSDAY – Genesis 32:24-26

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 32:24-26, answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.
Respond to at least one other person’s post in the group to encourage others.

FRIDAY – Genesis 32:27-32

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 32:27-32, answer the questions at the end of that section

Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s closing thoughts on this chapter

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

SATURDAY 

Use this day to look up some additional promises of God and highlight them in your Bible. It might be a good idea to use a different color highlighter than you normally would to make them stand out.  Alternatively you could make a list of them to refer to when you are praying. Consider these promises deeply and how they apply to your life. 

SUNDAY – REST

MONDAY – Catch up

Use this day to catch up to the rest of the group.

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