Dealing with Conflict in the Family: Let Baal Plead for Himself

Trevor S Ferguson

May 4, 2014

Scripture: Judges 6: 25-32

²⁵And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
²⁶And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.
²⁷Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
²⁸And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built.
²⁹ And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing.
³⁰Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it.
³¹And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.
³²Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.

INTRODUCTION

Conflict may be defined as ‘a strong disagreement between people or groups’ and is common in virtually all human relationships. Conflict arises because people have the ability to think, to choose and pursue self-determination and therefore will have differences in opinion, and different approaches to life and life events. When such differences arise one may resolve them through negotiation, through compromise, through peaceful coexistence (i.e. agreeing to disagree) or by choosing to go in separate ways. Unfortunately in many situations conflicts are not handled in any of these responsible ways and persons try to use force to compel another to accept his or her position. This often results in violent confrontation and may result in death.

The disputing parties in conflicts are often unrelated but very frequently conflicts occurs within families. Such family conflicts have plagued humanity from the beginning of time. In the very first family, conflict arose between Cain and Abel and ended up with Abel being killed. (Note here that in some situations the initiation of conflict is unilateral. Abel had no problem with Cain. He quietly pursued his farming career and offered up his sacrifices to God; but Cain was angry because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice and rejected his. You don’t have to do anything wrong to get into conflict!) Other examples of family conflict in the bible include conflicts between Abraham and Lot, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers and the problems between David and his sons. Each of these conflicts was handled in different ways and had different results – some good and some bad. Abraham and Lot chose to go in separate ways; Jacob fled from confrontation with Esau, but was eventually reconciled; Joseph’s brothers sold him to the Midianites, who sold him to the Egyptians; the conflicts in David’s household led to the death of Ammon (killed by Absalom), Absalom’s rebellion against his father David and eventually to the death of Absalom! We therefore see the unresolved or poorly managed conflicts in the family can have grave consequences and may even result in death.

Today we reflect on a story where Gideon’s father took a position that de-escalated conflict and resulted in the sparing of Gideon’s life. His statements in Judges 6:31 are instructive and thus is the focus for today’s message – Let Baal Plead for Himself. I believe that God wants us to recognize that the devil is the source on many of today’s conflicts and rather than us fighting on behalf of the devil, we should let him fight for himself. So today we exhort you: Let Baal Plead for himself!

EXPOSITION

Let us take some time to look at the text in more detail. Judges 6 introduces us to the story of Gideon, the Judge of Israel who initially lacked self-confidence and had so much doubt that he required of God a confirmatory sign from God, not once but twice. However, with God’s help, Gideon was able to defeat the army of the Midianites with an army of three hundred men.

The narrative begins with the problems faced by Israel after they had sinned and God delivered them over to the Midianites. The Midiantes raided their crops and the herds and left Israel impoverished. We first meet Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress, to hide his crops from the Midianites. The Lord appeared unto Gidean as an angel and said unto him “The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour”. When the angel of the Lord informed him that he was selected to save Israel from the Midianites Gideon’s initial response was that his family was the poorest in Manasseh and that he was the least in his father’s house. God reassured him the He would be with him and that through His help he will smite Midian.

There are some important lessons to learn from this initial conversation between God and Gideon. God addressed Gideon as a mighty man of valour – indicating that God sees us as the person that we have the potential to become and not necessarily as what we are now. God can and will use those who are least recognized among us to accomplish his will. We don’t need to be born into a prominent family or to be the greatest in our household, but if we are available God can use us to do great exploits.

 

Gideon’s next action was to seek a confirmatory sign from the angel of the Lord. He asked the angel to wait for him to present a gift (sacrifice) to him. Gideon then prepared a kid and unleavened cakes and presented them to the angel. The angel instructed him to put the gifts upon a rock, he then touched them with his staff and fire came out of the rock and consumed them. Gideon then recognized that he was in fact speaking to “the angel of the Lord” i.e. a manifestation of God in angelic form. He therefore made an altar and called the name Jehovah-shalom indicating that God was able to grant peace despite the conflicts and confusion being faced by Israel at that time.  Today God is our Jehovah-shalom, he is our peace, despite the challenges and conflicts that we may be facing right now. God can bring us peace!

God’s reassurance of peace was prophetic because Gideon was just about to get involved in a great conflict. The scripture tells us that the same night God instructed Gideon to tear down the altar of Baal and build an altar unto God instead. We note that the major cause of Israel’s problems was that they had sinned against God and had begun to worship Baal – the god of the Canaanites. It appears that the worship of Baal had become so prominent that it had become the norm and Israel had altars dedicated to Baal but no altars dedicated to God. We note also that it was virtually impossible for Gideon to carry out God’s instructions without offending his family. It was his father’s altar; to make matters worse he was to take his father’s bullock. Not only was her tearing down his father’s altar he was also killing his father’s bullock without his consent! The scriptures tell us that Gideon feared his father’s household and the men of the city, but he had a genuine desire to obey God. He therefore arranged with his servants to tear down the altar during the night so that he would not be seen. He probably knew that they would eventually find out, but I believed that he chose to obey God and then to deal with the consequences whenever they arose.

The next morning the men of the city woke up to find that the altar of Baal was torn down and angrily enquired as to who had done this. Not long afterwards they were told that Gideon had done it. The men of the city then called on Joash, Gideon’s father and asked that he bring out his son so that they could put him to death for tearing down Baal’s altar. This request highlighted the state of apostasy that Israel had fallen into. God’s law required that persons be stoned to death for worshipping false gods but these men were seeking to do the exact opposite. Gideon was to be put to death for worshipping the true God and tearing down the altar of the false God. As outrageous as this may seem the world we live in today is not all that different from what pertained in Gideon’s time. Things that are against God are now considered normal and those who take a stand for the things of God are often ostracized and may face legal actions for their statements or positions. Righteous speech is now classified as hate speech and sin is equated to human rights. If we are not careful many today will begin to accept these ‘societal norms’ and so begin to act against God!

Joash’s response however is instructive. A former Baal worshipper himself, he quickly recognized the folly of his ways and began to ask pertinent questions: “Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar.”

The word of God therefore instructs us today: Let Baal plead for himself! Let us not seek to take the side of the devil and plead his cause against even the members of our own family. Let us not stand with idolaters and evil doers and support them as they carry out acts of victimization against our family members. Let us not escalate family conflict by adding fuel to the fire, pointing out and highlighting what they have done and seek to take our own vengeance. We must recognized that the devil is the force behind all conflict and that escalating these conflicts is supporting the cause of the devil and fighting against the cause of Christ.

Let us instead become peacemakers and ministers of reconciliation, where rather than making the conflict worse we become part of the conflict resolution team. Indeed the word of God calls on us to be peacemakers and ministers of reconciliation. Let’s look at a few illustrative passages:

Matt 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”

Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Hebrews 12:14 “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”

Psalm 37:37 “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.”

APPLICATION

The word of God commands us to live in peace and nowhere is this more important than in our families. God wants to restore peace to someone today. I believe that God sent us this word because there is a need. I believe that there are many persons who have been experiencing great conflict in their homes and this has robbed them of peace. Today God is your Jehovah-shalom. He is the giver of peace. Despite the conflicts that you currently face God wants to grant you peace. You must put your trust in him!

Consciously or unconsciously you might have been fighting on the side of the devil against the members of your own family. But today God wants you to let go, and let the devil fight his own battles; let him plead his own cause. We will instead stand for God and for righteousness. We are also assured that God will be with us and will fight for us. Note that Gideon did not even mount a defense against his accusers. He simply held his peace and allowed God to fight for him.

Trust God today. He is the giver of peace, He is the Prince of Peace, He will give you peace in the midst of your storms. The winds may be blowing, the waves may be rocking but I can hear God saying to the situations in your life “Peace, be still”. I commend you to God today – He is your peace!

Rediscovering Our Roots

Trevor S Ferguson
April 22, 2014

The foundational tenets and characteristics of the Pentecostal/Apostolic faith includes the following: 

1. The Apostles' Doctrine

2. Unity

3. Fellowship

4. Prayer

5. Worship and Praise

6. Evangelism

7. Holiness

Click on this link for see the full document: Rediscovering Our Roots

 

The Making of a Miracle: Leadership, Cooperation, Divine Intervention

Trevor S Ferguson

April 12, 2014

Joshua 2:1 (KJV)

¹And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there.

Joshua 6:1-5 (KJV)

¹Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.

²And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.

³And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.

⁴And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

⁵And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.

INTRODUCTION

The book of Joshua records what is arguably the most successful period in Israel’s history. Joshua transformed a group of persons who had been slaves in Egypt for some 430 years, and who had wandered in the wilderness as nomads for forty years, and made them into a nation that was both feared and respected by all the other countries in the region. The conquest of Jericho stands out as one of the most memorable feats in all of Israel’s history. Apart from the crossing of the Red Sea and Joshua’s command that made the sun stand still, the miraculous collapse of the walls of Jericho stand above or alongside all other miracles in the Bible. For the most part however, the analysis of the collapse of Jericho’s walls has focused on the shout and the immediate collapse of the wall and not on the events before and after the shout. A careful reading of the scriptures will show that the collapse of the walls of Jericho, and the conquest of the city was not a one day affair, or even a seven day event, but was the culmination of a process that remains relevant to countries, churches corporations and even to individuals today.

Today I would like to share with you as we analyze the events preceding the shout and the collapse of Jericho’s walls, in order to identify key factors that contribute to the experience of the miraculous. Our focus is more on the corporate miracle, but the factors can be extrapolated to the individual as well. I suggest to you that the fundamental components for the making of a miracle are: leadership, cooperation and Divine intervention. When these factors come together we will see the miraculous.

EXPOSITION

The story begins with Joshua sending out two spies to gather information on the land of Jericho. This demonstrates that although God had promised that he would give to Joshua all the land that he should set foot on, he recognized that Israel would have to fight to possess the land. If they were to fight to possess the land, then Joshua had to prepare a plan of attack that would guarantee victory. If they were to prepare in this manner, then they would need information upon which to base their plans.

We see in the scriptures that Joshua from the beginning of his expedition showed good leadership and demonstrated the characteristics of a military strategist. Leadership therefore emerges as the first component in the making of this miracle. We see also that the two spies who were sent out, went and did as Joshua had requested. They cooperated. Nothing is said about them resisting, protesting or in any other way challenging the wisdom of Joshua’s instruction. They could have recounted the problems that were caused the last time that Moses had sent spies to survey the land of Canaan. They could have questioned why they and not others were chosen for this extremely dangerous task. The scriptures simply said “… and they went …” Cooperation is necessary for miracles to happen!

The choice of place to lodge for the night was nothing short of Divine intervention! The scriptures said “… they came into an harlot’s house … and lodged there.” Persons have offered various explanations why the spies choose to lodge at Rahab’s house. If she was in fact running a brothel, then the men could expected to be granted lodging without much scrutiny; but this does not seem to be the case as we see later that she was well aware of who they were. The notion that the house on the wall would provide an easy way of escape does seem to ‘hold some water’ but if Rahab had handed them over to the king’s men there would have been no escape. I believe that God supernaturally led them to Rahab’s house because He knew that her heart was ‘soft’ towards Israel and that she had become a woman of faith.

Rahab’s faith is one of the most untold stories in the bible. Verse 11 of Joshua 2 contains her great confession of faith “… for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above and in the earth beneath.” Her action stands alongside that of Ruth as pagan women who had extraordinary faith in God. It is therefore not surprising that she is mentioned in Hebrews 11 as one of the heroes of faith and also by James as one who demonstrated faith with action. This was Divine intervention. God led the spies to the home of the only convert in Jericho.

Rehab also demonstrated cooperation in receiving her own personal miracle (i.e. the saving of her household) in that she obeyed the instruction of the spies and tied the scarlet thread from her window as soon as the spies had left. In order to receive your miracle you must cooperate with God and the instruction of his servants.

Let’s turn to the events immediately preceding the collapse of the walls of Jericho. Here again we see the three principles in action. Joshua led. The people cooperated. God intervened. Chapter six begins: “Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in.” God at first assured Joshua that He had given Jericho into his hands. However in order to accomplish the victory there were some things to be done. These were the instructions: 

-       March around the city once per day for six days with all your armed men

-       Have seven priests carry trumpets of ram’s horns in front of the ark

-       On the seventh day, march around the city seven times with the priests blowing the trumpets

-       When the priest made a loud blast on the trumpet have the whole army make a loud shout and the walls of Jericho will fall flat

-       The army should go straight in and conquer the city

   

Verses 6-20 of chapter 6 records how Joshua and the people carried out God’s instructions. He called the priest together and informed them of God’s instructions. Then he gave the command to the army to march around the city with the armed guard going ahead of the ark. Both the priest and the army obeyed without challenging the wisdom of Joshua or of Gods instructions. We see then in verse 20 that the walls of Jericho collapsed and they went in and conquered the city, just as God said they would.

APPLICATION

People today we are faced with many challenges and indeed many persons are in need of a miracle today. This applies to countries, including Jamaica; this applies to many organizations and institutions in the land, including our churches; this also applies individuals who need personal miracles, including for some the miracle of salvation and the infilling of the Holy Ghost. God is reminding us today that the old paradigm of seeking miracles without much action on our part is not going to work.

First of all, we need corporate and personal leadership. Leaders must be in touch with God and must provide clear direction for the people to follow. If our leaders are not in touch with God we can hope for very little. Of course some things can be accomplished by human effort; but as we see in this story the results can be magnified exponentially when leaders follow God’s instructions. Let me say also that we don’t have to sit and wait to hear God speak to us through an audible voice, or through the thunder or the whirlwind; God has detailed his instructions right here in the Bible. If we follow its precepts and obey its commands we are well on our way to seeing the miraculous.

Secondly, the people must cooperate with the instruction of leaders. We note that the spies cooperated with Joshua, Rahab cooperated with the spies, the priests cooperated with Joshua and the army cooperated with Joshua. When people cooperate with leadership we can expect positive results. When the people fail to cooperate the opposite happens. We saw this at Kadesh Barnea, when after ten spies brought back an evil report, the people revolted against Moses, refusing to go up against the Canaanites and this resulted in the death of many, and Israel’s wondering in the wilderness for forty years.

In order to apply these principles for your personal miracle, we can substitute faith and obedience for the principles of leadership and cooperation. Rahab demonstrated great faith in the God of Israel and obeyed the instructions of the spies and received her own personal miracle.

The final principle – Divine intervention – is applicable both to the personal and the corporate miracle, because no miracle can happen without God. We can plan, we can strategize, we can work hard or we can scheme, but unless God shows up, no miracle will happen. Israel could have marched around Jericho a thousand times, unless God showed up, the walls of Jericho would still be standing. Rabab could have tied a hundred scarlet cords to her window; unless God intervened her house would have collapsed with the rest of the wall.

Today we need Divine intervention; Jamaica needs Divine intervention; the world needs Divine intervention; the church needs Divine intervention, all of us as individuals need Divine intervention! Intervene Jesus! Come down in our situation. Let your spirit arise and break the stronghold of the enemy. Intervene Jesus. We believe you, we receive you, we accept your words. Intervene God! Intervene!

DIVINE HELP IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

Trevor S Ferguson

February 15, 2014

Genesis 32:24-29 (KJV)
²⁴And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. ²⁵And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. ²⁶ And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. ²⁷ And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. ²⁸ And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. ²⁹ And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there.

INTRODUCTION

The bible tells us in Job 14 that man’s days are few and full of trouble. Most persons today can identify with this situation. From the day of our birth there is trouble. Our mother’s must undergo the severe labour pains and risks to her own life in order to give birth. As newborns we are feeble, dependent and susceptible to infections and various illnesses that threaten our lives. As we grow we are susceptible to accidents and various dangers as we learn to navigate this beautiful but potentially treacherous place called earth. Then we come to adulthood, and there the real troubles begin! As adults we face all kinds of troubles: emotional and relationship issues; financial hardships; time challenges and work related stress; conflicts at home; conflicts on the job; conflicts in the community; then we add to that times of sickness and death in the family. 

On top of this base of a troubled existence, there are times heightened and immense troubles we call crises. In times of crisis the intensity of trouble is so great that we fear for our very lives. A crisis could end up in death, imprisonment or total separation from family or friends. In many of these crises we need external help, because we cannot solve the problems on our own accord. Human help may be of value, but many times our only source of help is through Divine intervention.

Today, I declare to you that in your times of trouble and crises, God is ready and willing to help. If you call on Him, He will step into your situation and bless you and grant you His peace.

EXPOSITION

The text tonight recounts a time of crisis in Jacob’s life and how God stepped in to help in this crisis. Jacob was on his way back to the land of Canaan from which he had fled some twenty years earlier after he had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and Esau had vowed to kill him. Jacob had not seen Esau at all in these twenty years. He had spent this time with Laban in the land of Haran, married Laban’s daughters Leah and Rachel but had now fallen out of favour with Laban. The circumstances of his departure from Laban’s household  was such that he had left by night without informing Laban because he feared that Laban would have prevented him from leaving or would have taken away his wife and children. Laban pursued him and overtook him, but before their meeting God intervened, speaking to Laban in a dream and told him to do no harm to Jacob. As a result Laban and Jacob’s final parting was peaceful with them making a covenant at Mizpah.

As Jacob continued on his journey, the angels of God met him at Mahanaim, so Jacob had some assurance that God was with him. This time of peace was short lived however as Jacob recognized that as he journey’s back to Canaan he will have to encounter with Esau who had vowed to kill him. Jacob therefore sent messengers to Esau asking for his favour (or perhaps forgiveness). The messengers came back and informed Jacob that Esau was coming to meet him and that 400 men were with him.

The panic button in Jacob turned red! Why was Esau coming to meet him with 400 men? The only thought in Jacobs mind was that Esau was coming to attack and kill his family. He therefore divided the people and the flocks into groups saying that if Esau strikes one group the other groups could possible escape.

Jacob’s next action however was much more important. Verses 9-12 of Genesis 32, record that Jacob prayed to God and asked Him to deliver him out of the hands of his brother Esau.

Like Jacob, somebody today may be in trouble; the crisis is so severe that you don’t know what to do. You have tried your own devices; you have sought human help, but have found no solution. Today, I challenge you to take it to the Lord in prayer! As the song writer declares - “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.” The psalms are replete with instances where David or another psalmist calls out desperately to God in the midst of trouble and God heard them and helped them. Let’s look a few examples:

Psalm 20:1 The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;

Psalm 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 86:7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.

Psalm 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Psalm 107:6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

Psalm 107:19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

Psalm 107:28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.

To someone today, God is saying to you, Call upon me! I will here you and answer you. I will deliver you from your trouble. Trust me today I am willing to help you!

Another key factor in dealing with trouble is that we need a personal encounter and an assurance of our faith in God. We note that although Jacob prayed and had had various experiences with God, there were still flaws in his character. He was still by nature a tricksters and a schemer and beyond help with Esau he needed to learn to completely depend on God and he needed a change of character. Jacob had this encounter with God at Peniel and it changed his life forever.

The bible tells us that while still on the journey to meet Esau, Jacob sent his wives, his children and his servants across the brook Jabbok and then he was left alone. I presume that while alone Jacob entered again in a period of prayer. He needed an assurance from God and was determined to touch God. He was totally focused on God. Now that God had his full attention, God came down and wrestled with Jacob. The bible does not give detail about this wrestling match, but tells us that Jacob wrestled with a ‘man’ – most probably a theophany (i.e. an appearance of God in human form). We are told that he wrestled all night – until the breaking of the day. We are not sure what was going on in the mind of Jacob during this encounter, but we see that though this Jacob developed a spirit of persistence and tenacity, evidenced by him saying “I will not let you go until you bless me”. Under other circumstances Jacob might have given up or run away as he had done previously, when he fled from Esau and then from Laban. But Jacob had to learn that he could not run away from his troubles. He had to face them square on until he found a good solution. I believe that God supernaturally transferred that spirit of determination and persistence to Jacob in this wrestling encounter. The end result was that Jacob was changed. No longer was he the trickster and supplanter. He was now a prince who had struggled with God and with men and had prevailed.

CONCLUSION

For somebody today God wants an encounter with you! You have been running away from your troubles all your life, but now you must face them square on. But before you face your troubles you must come face to face with God. You must admit that you need him, that your previous efforts have come to naught and that you are powerless without him. You’ve got to come to him in payer. The words from the song writer are again appropriate:

“Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.”

When you come to Him, He will be there to meet you. Sometimes it will be hard to get your breakthrough; but you must hold on. Like Jacob you have to say I will not let you go until you bless me. Your breakthrough may be just moments away. Keep holding on; keep fighting for your life. Never give up on God. He will not give up on you. He will come through and bless you.

Your crisis will soon be over! We note that chapter 33 describes a peaceful and pleasant meeting between Esau and Jacob, because God intervened. He will intervene in your situation too. Your trouble will soon be over; your crisis will come to an end. Put your trust in God. He will come through for you!