So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared. (Gen. 32:30)
My dad’s favorite phrase was, “Chin up and keep smiling.” He not only said it but demonstrated it. He was a simple, hardworking man, who had a stubborn, simple faith in God. Dad had his faults and doubts but kept living his life, no matter what came, with a smile and trust in God. Dad passed this legacy to me.
Jacob had a legacy, too. He received a special name from God, just like Abraham and Isaac. He also received the same promise God had given to them. Abraham had a face-to-face encounter with God, when he was called to leave his homeland. God appeared to Isaac, telling him to live in the land promised to him and his descendants. Jacob fought with the Lord. Each man felt unworthy of God’s faithfulness. Each man wrestled with questions and trust, but ultimately did what God wanted them to do.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and my dad struggled at times with putting their faith fully in God’s promises. Still, God had a plan for each of their lives. God also has a plan for your life. These patriarchs had to let go of their plans and their fears. God confronted them, directed them, communicated with them, and promised to be with them. Do you believe in God’s promises? Do you trust him with your fears? He’s closer than a cellphone away.
Chin up and keep smiling; God is with you.
Dale Witkowski is a lay pastor, sanctuary steward, blog contributor, and Sunday school teacher at Horseheads Community Wesleyan Church in New York. She is also an artist and a poet.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
