We all face moments when we dread what lies ahead—a difficult conversation, an uncertain future, or a problem we cannot solve. Jacob knew exactly how that felt. As he journeyed home with his sizable family, he expected to meet the brother he had wronged years before, a man who now commanded a force of seasoned warriors.

That’s when we find this strange verse in Genesis 32—the angels of God met Jacob. We don’t know anything more about the encounter, but Jacob named the spot Mahanaim, which means “two camps.” He had his frightened clan of earthly pilgrims, but around him was God’s host of angelic helpers. Two camps—one visible and one invisible—were traveling together. 

The angels of God are camping around you too. They are God’s messengers who stand ready to direct, strengthen, assist, protect, and encourage you. No matter what you’re facing, ask God to send His host to help you face your trouble.

No human effort can be sufficient…. The source of defense and the means of victory come from God’s ministering angels.
Allen P. Ross