The Promise - Genesis 28:10-32
The Bible is such a wonderful book full of life’s lessons, wisdom, and God’s promises to His children. The Old Testament is full of stories that actually pertain to character development and God’s patience towards His children. Last week we went over the story of Jacob, the trickster, who gets tricked into marrying the sister of his true love. He was promised Rachel, the younger sister who was beautiful but woke up in the morning with Leah, the older sister. By morning Jacob was sober and could see that his new wife was Leah and not Rachel. As Jacob had tricked his father, Isaac who could not see clearly, Jacob was now suffering from his own blindness on his wedding night.
Both Jacob and his father-in-law Laban have character flaws and use deceit to accomplish their goals. Jacob who bought Esau’s birthright for a pot of stew and tricked his father into giving him the firstborn blessing has now been tricked and has to work an additional 7 years to pay for his wife Rachel. Why would God choose Jacob?
God had made a promise to Jacob’s grandfather Abraham and that promise was passed down to his father Isaac and then was passed to Jacob. The promise included a multitude of descendants, the promised land, and through his bloodline, all the nations of the earth would be blessed (Jesus the Messiah).
One night as Jacob was escaping from Esau after stealing the blessing from his father, he camped out and had a dream. In this dream there was a ladder from the ground to heaven and angels were going up and down the ladder. Then God who was above said to Jacob that He was the God/Lord of Abraham and Isaac and He would bless him with the promises given to Abraham. He also said that He would be with him and keep him and bring him back to his homeland.
Jacob woke up and made a vow to God saying that if the Lord would be with him, keep him and provide bread to eat and clothing to wear, and bring him back to his father’s house in peace then the Lord would be his God and he would give a tenth of all that God would give him. Later, Jacob would spend twenty years working for his uncle and father-in-law Laban. Fourteen years for his true love Rachel and the next six to build his wealth and provide for his family.
God honors His promises and next week we will see how God provides financial blessings to Jacob in a very unusual way. The point is that God keeps His Word and we as His children should remind ourselves that sometimes God’s promises may take longer to manifest than we expect. God is more interested in changing our character first than changing our circumstances.
Not subscribed? Subscribe below so you never miss a newsletter!
Personal Development Tip of the week:
In these modern times, how do we align our character with God? We renew our minds daily with the Word of God and use our faith believing that what God started in us He is able to complete (Phil 1:6; Rom 12:1-2).
Grab the promises that are for you and your situation (blessing, healing, overcoming addiction, relationships, wisdom, etc.), speak them over your life, and believe God for the manifestation (2 Cor. 1:20).
Question for you? What area of your life are you needing God’s promises for right now?
Prayer for the week
God, what would I do without You by my side? In times of trouble I know I can depend on You to be my refuge for protection and my strength. You are my ever-present help in times of trouble and I am so thankful in Jesus name, Amen.
PS. If you would like to support us consider checking out www.litwithprayer.com and picking up our devotional prayer journal to our new pieces of Christian-based Jewelry.
Do you know Jesus?
If you have never asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and forgive you of all your sins, this is the right time to act. Pray this simple prayer and believe it in your heart: “Dear God, Your Word says that You loved me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I want to be saved and have all my sins forgiven, past, present, and future. Forgive me now as I receive Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. You promised me salvation and an abundant life. I believe and receive Your free gift. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me grow stronger in You each day, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.” (John 3:16)
The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
The Promise