GOD’S PROMISE: “I AM WITH YOU” (2)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 

“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” Ge 28:16 NKJV 

One night, Jacob had a dream. He saw a ladder reaching into heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. And God said to him: “‘The land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants...You shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.’ Then Jacob awoke...and said, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it...This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!’” (vv.13-17 NKJV). The striking phrase in this story is Jacob’s words: “I did not know it.” That means it is possible for God to be present with you, yet you fail to recognize it or take advantage of it. What would cause this? (1) A mind besieged with stress and worry rather than being focused on the promises of God; (2) a heart that has grown cold and indifferent toward God; or (3) a schedule that leaves no room to meditate on God’s Word and draw strength and guidance from Him in prayer. What God said to Jacob He is saying to you: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” Today recognize His presence and respond to it!