Throughout the Old and New Testament, we see God meeting men and women in certain places. In Genesis 22, we read the well-known story where God called Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. Abraham faithfully obeyed, arose and went to the “place” of which God had told him (v.3). The word “place” is repeated four times in this chapter. After Abraham passed the test in that place, God provided a ram as an offering, and Abraham then named the place, “The Lord Will Provide” (v.14).

Later, in Genesis 28, Abraham’s grandson, Jacob is on the run. His brother, Esau, intended to kill him after he realized Jacob had stolen both his birthright and his blessing. While he is fleeing, the Bible says Jacob came to a certain “place” (v.11). The word “place” is repeated five times in this chapter. In this place, Jacob met God, who promised to be with him and keep him wherever he went. Jacob named that place “Bethel” which means “House of God.” 

I can’t help but notice the significance of the word “place” in each story. In both instances, the men were surprised to find that the place they were led to was not the place they originally thought it was. In a place of loss and sacrifice, Abraham met God the provider. In a place of loneliness and uncertainty, Jacob met God the Covenant Keeper. Each man named their place after their encounter with God.

You may be in a place today with your own set of difficult circumstances, just as Jacob and Abraham were. I encourage you to see with eyes of faith behind what your current “place” may look like. Your place is of no surprise to your Heavenly Father. Actually, Jacob was surprised when he realized his barren and lonely place was more than it seemed. He said, “Surely, God is in this place and I did not know it!” (v. 16). Trust that He is in the place you find yourself today. You may not see it, but you can trust that your place is holy ground as God’s presence is within you, around you, and goes before you.