There are moments in life when it feels like trouble is coming fast.
That is where Jacob is in Jasher 31:69–77. Laban has already slandered him, and now Esau is coming toward him with 400 armed men. Jacob does not yet know what is happening, but God is already working behind the scenes.
In “Principles From A Hot Pursuit,” Bishop Omar Thibeaux shows that what looked like danger was also the place where God began revealing, protecting, and preparing. The same messengers connected to the report against Jacob ended up at Rebecca’s house, and that visit gave Rebecca the information needed to send help to Jacob. What was meant to hurt him ended up helping him.
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
Bishop’s first major reminder is that the battle is not ours. It belongs to the Lord.
That does not mean we will never face pressure. Jacob still had Esau coming after him. Jehoshaphat still had armies surrounding him. Believers still face problems in family, finances, health, work, ministry, and relationships. But Bishop reminded us that when we belong to God, our problems become His concern.
We may be outnumbered, but we are never overpowered when God is fighting for us.
No Weapon Will Prosper
The sermon also reminds us that weapons may form, but they will not prosper.
A weapon forming does not mean God has failed. Plans may come together. People may talk. Pressure may rise. The situation may even look like it is gaining strength. But Bishop explained that God puts limits on every weapon, and He knows how to make sure it does not accomplish its intended purpose.
That is why the believer does not have to panic every time something rises against them.
God Reveals What Needs To Be Revealed
Another powerful part of this message is that God reveals secrets.
Bishop teaches that God knows the enemy’s moves before the enemy makes them. He can reveal what is hidden, uncover what is planned, and make sure His people are not caught off guard. Sometimes He reveals it directly. Other times, He sends the information through someone who loves you.
Jacob did not know Esau was coming, but God knew.
That is comfort for anyone who feels unaware, uncertain, or surrounded by things they cannot see.
If It Is Not Good Yet, God Is Not Finished
One of the most encouraging lines from the sermon is this: if it is not good yet, God is not finished.
Bishop teaches from Romans 8:28 that all things work together for good to them who love God and are called according to His purpose. That means even the painful things, disappointing things, confusing things, and unfair things can become part of what God uses for our good.
The problem may not feel good by itself. But God knows how to put every piece together until the end of the story reveals His goodness.
There Are More For You Than Against You
Jacob saw two camps, but Bishop reminded us there was more happening in the spirit than Jacob could see. This led into the reminder from 2 Kings 6: there are more for us than against us.
Sometimes the issue is not that we are alone. The issue is that our eyes have not been opened to the help around us. God has spiritual help, hidden helpers, and people assigned to strengthen us in the journey.
Philadelphia, this is a word worth holding onto: you are not alone.
Be Anxious For Nothing
The message closes with the call to stop worrying and start praying and praising.
Bishop reminds us that worry and prayer cannot rule the heart at the same time. When anxiety rises, we bring everything to God. Then we praise Him, not only for what He has done, but for what He promised. Praise becomes a weapon, especially in the midnight moments when the pressure feels strongest.
God is still working. God is still revealing. God is still fighting. God is still surrounding His people with help.
So if it is not good yet, do not quit.
He is not finished.
