“Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haram. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep” (Genesis 28:10-11).
Here’s to those who have reached a “certain place.” There’s nothing special about this place. It just happens to be where you found yourself when your body said, “Enough.” The sun has set, and your steps have stalled. No more striding or striving. You’ve reached a “certain place.” For Jacob, and perhaps you, the irony of the certain place is that there’s nothing certain about it.
All that’s behind is all that you’ve ever known, and all that’s ahead — from what you can see — is dark. And who knows what’s lurking in the night? Beasts and brothers, hot on your trail, keen on your scent, reminding you why you ran in the first place. But none of that matters anymore because you’re too tired to be afraid. So, you make a stone your pillow, the dust your bed. If you’re about to die, perhaps you can find final comfort in your dreams.
Sometimes, it takes the stillness of a hard, lonely place to awaken us to God’s vision for our lives.
But here’s the miracle: In the middle of nowhere, heaven opens. Jacob sees a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending. God speaks — not words of condemnation but a promise: “I am with you. I will watch over you wherever you go” (Genesis 28:15).
Jacob wakes, stunned: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (Genesis 28:16).
Sometimes, it takes the stillness of a hard, lonely place to awaken us to God’s vision for our lives. In the quiet, with all distractions removed and when we’ve come to the end of ourselves, we realize that God has always been present, waiting to meet us in our need. And it’s His presence in our sufferings, not freedom from them, that brings us healing.
So, if you’ve reached a certain place, remember, it may feel empty, but heaven is nearer than you think. The stone beneath your head may feel hard, but it can still be holy. Jesus can turn your striving to surrender because He has bridged the gap between heaven and every weary heart. Then, when the sun rises, you’ll rise with it, knowing what Jacob knew: “Surely the Lord is in this place.”
Angelo Grasso
Angelo Grasso serves as Light Bearers’ Spiritual Care Director and ARISE instructor. An ordained minister and trained chaplain, Angelo is deeply passionate about exploring the intersection of brain science and spiritual growth across all stages of life. He is blessed by the companionship of his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Eli and Emma.
