Key Text: Genesis 25:32 KJV - And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

What pressures are you facing right now that appears to be unbearable? You can avoid making Esau's mistake by comparing the long-range consequences of an action with its short-term satisfaction before you act. Esau acted rather rashly without diligently considering the consequences of selling his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage. This connotes shortsightedness and misplaced priorities.

God's grace is available to get you through that initial, pressure-filled moment which is often the most difficult and most important part of overcoming any temptation. Unlike Esau, you should never trade in your sonship in Christ for any thing because restoration is not automatically guaranteed for the backslidden. Endeavour to work out or keep your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The unpleasant situation that's bugging you will eventually evaporate or expire if you refuse to yield to its pressure. Do no give up - it's always darkest before dawn. God's faithful promises will never fail. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation - James 1:12. But he that endureth to the end shall be saved - Matthew 24:13. You are not alone - the Lord is with you.

Prayer: O Lord, strengthen my inner man and help me to overcome every temptation that comes my way, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears - Hebrews 12:17.