August 18: When Esau Ran to Meet Him

There’s someone on your list you cheated badly. You’ve imagined running into them a hundred times, and it never goes well. What if it’s not as bad as you fear?

Jacob had stolen his brother Esau’s blessing years before. Then he ran. For twenty years, he stayed away. When he finally had to go home, he heard Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. He was terrified. He prayed. He sent gifts ahead. He split his family into groups in case Esau attacked.

And then Esau ran to meet him. He hugged him. Fell on his neck. Kissed him. And they wept together.

Jacob had spent twenty years dreading a moment that turned into a reunion.

That doesn’t mean every amends will go like this. Some won’t. Some people will still be angry. Some will want nothing to do with you. That’s their right. But fear has a way of making every meeting in our heads a disaster. Sometimes God has been working on the other person’s heart too, while you were away.

Notice what Jacob did before the meeting. He prayed honestly. He admitted his fear to God. He reminded God of His promises. He didn’t hide from the meeting. He went, afraid.

That’s good preparation for the amends ahead. Step Eight is only the list and the willingness, but it’s natural to start imagining Step Nine. When you do, notice how much fear is shaping the picture. Fear isn’t a reliable prophet.

It’s also worth noting that years had passed. Time had done some of its work. Not every amends needs to happen right now. Some need patience, prayer, and the right moment. A sponsor or pastor can help you think about timing.

One thing today

Pick one name you’ve been dreading. Write down the worst version of meeting them, then the best version. Pray over both, and leave the outcome with God.

A prayer

Lord, I’ve imagined the worst so many times. I don’t know how these people will respond. But You know their hearts, and You’re working on them. Help me trust You with the outcome. Amen.

Read about becoming willing even when you’re afraid on the Step Eight page.

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