By REV. GEORGE HOLLIS / Guest Columnist

Jacob had inspired hatred in his twin brother Esau. But it was not as if Esau did not have a reason.

Jacob tricked Esau out of his birthright, for it was Esau that was born first. Now Esau was again tricked. This time is was out of the blessing by Isaac to carry on the family name.

Jacob had taken from Esau all that was due the older son.

Esau was furious and decided to take back what was his. He would kill his brother.

Jacob’s mother overheard Esau’s fury and planned yet again how to get Jacob out of trouble with his brother. We’ll tell Isaac that I’m sending you to my father’s house to find a bride. Your dad and I want you to marry a woman from our own family.

My son, this breaks my heart, but you will be safe.

After a few days of traveling in the wilderness, Jacob laid down to sleep. He used a rock for a pillow. He has nothing now, no money, no family, no wife, a brother that wanted to kill him and a mother who sent him into the wilderness.

That night he dreamed a ladder was in front of him with rungs going all the way to heaven. Angels were going up and coming down the ladder. Then while still dreaming a voice boomed from heaven. “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

After this Jacob was no longer afraid. At Jacob’s darkest moment, God step into Jacob’s life to reassure him. Is God like that with us today? There is never a time when God is not with us. When we are lost in our personal wilderness, let us remember to insert God with prayer. At just the right moment, like Jacob, our life will take a Holy turn.

The Rev. George Hollis is pastor at Cahaba Valley Church. You may reach him at hollistree@aol.com.