Genesis 33:4 , "But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept."  Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Think

 "Wresting with God brings reconciliation and restoration." Jacob found himself in yet another uncertain position. He was about to encounter his brother, Esau. The same brother he cheated out of the family inheritance. The same brother who put a hit out on him. Chances are this family reunion wasn't going to be a pleasant one. Jacob knew he was not going to be able to control the outcome of this encounter - he was completely dependent on God. Then, the unexpected happened. Instead of being greeted with drawn weapons and seething anger, Esau ran to Jacob and embraced him. Instead of revenge, Esau desired reconciliation and restoration with his brother. It was a reunion only God could orchestrate. God wants us to have reconciled and restored relationships, beginning with him. But, this is something we can't do on our own. We have to stop wrestling with unforgiveness and let God take control. Then we will experience the power and joy of forgiveness, restoration, and reconciliation.

Act

Is there someone in your life you need to reconcile with? Spend time asking God what your next steps should be. Now write them down and take action. Let God take control and orchestrate restoration and reconciliation as only he can.

Pray

Dear God, thank you for being a God of restoration and reconciliation. I know that only you can do this in my life. Please change my heart and begin to heal my wounds.  Let me experience the joy of restoration and reconciliation that only you can orchestrate.  In Jesus' name, Amen!