22 Jun: God Is Already There
If God will be with me, and will keep me . . . then shall the Lord be my God. Genesis 28:20–21
Scripture Reading: Genesis 28:10–15, 20–22
Aubrey bought a fleece-lined coat for her elderly father, but he passed away before he could wear it. Instead of keeping it, she placed a note of encouragement and a $20 bill in one of the pockets and donated the coat.
Nineteen-year-old Kelly was dealing with deep family struggles and finally decided to leave home. With nowhere else to go, he headed to the house of his praying grandmother. When he arrived, she welcomed him warmly and immediately said, “We’ve got to get you a coat!”
At a mission store, Kelly found one he liked. As he slipped his hands into the pockets, he discovered an envelope. Inside was a $20 bill and Aubrey’s note.
His experience echoes Jacob’s story. Fleeing from family conflict and fearing for his life, Jacob left home (Genesis 27:41–45). One night, God met him in a dream and gave him this promise: “I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest” (Genesis 28:15).
In response, Jacob said, “If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on… then shall the Lord be my God” (verses 20–21). He built an altar there and called the place “God’s house” (verse 22).
Kelly still keeps Aubrey’s note. Like Jacob’s altar, it reminds him that God sees, provides, and stays near. No matter where life takes us, and whatever road we find ourselves on, God is present. We can run from places, problems, and painful situations, but we can never run beyond His reach. His care follows us, His promises remain, and His presence goes with us every step of the way.
By: Asher Christman
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Reflect & Pray
When you’ve had to “run,” whether literally or metaphorically, where did you go and to whom did you turn? How can you remind yourself of God’s presence in your life?
Father, You’re the One I can always run to. Help me turn to You first.