Wednesday, 26^th July 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: GOD’S CURRICULUM – PT2

THEME SCRIPTURE: “He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.” – Deuteronomy 32:10-12

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. How did God lead Jacob from the day he absconded from his father’s house?

 

Jacob is now married. He did not plan on marrying two women, yet the deception of his father-in-law has brought him into it. During the signing of the contract, as explained in Part One of this devotional, Jacob was not informed that it was not the custom of Laban’s people to allow the younger to marry before the elder. The fine details of the contract were revealed to him when he confronted Laban the day after the wedding (Gen 29:25-26). Now both Leah and Rachel have been given to Jacob, but for a fee—7 more years of labour. Apart from that, Jacob had the task of dealing with two women under one roof. Of the two women, Jacob loved Rachel and not Leah (Gen 29:31). But Leah was the one who started giving him children. The golden child, which Rachel, the beloved wife, was to give Jacob, was not coming.

The lesson at this point was clear to the man who is used to having his way—there is a limit to man’s capacity and resources.

Jacob, for all his ingenuity and creativity, could not make Rachel pregnant (Gen 30:1-2), and neither could he make Leah, a woman he does not love, happy (Gen 30:15). Above all, none of Jacob’s wives could make him content. Jacob had to learn that when we are entangled in life, only God is big enough to make sense out of our mess.

Trusting God with our mess is the only way something meaningful can emerge from our lives.

Jacob has been away from his father’s house for the past 14 years. “That is enough, I have to go back to my father’s house”, He thought to himself. When Laban learned of Jacob’s intention to depart (Gen 30:26), he resisted. Jacob was of economic value to him (Gen 30:27). Hence, he went to the negotiation table again with Jacob (Gen 30:31). This time, Jacob was ready to negotiate properly. “Give me the brown, spotted, and speckled sheep and goat that will be born as my hire,” Jacob proposed (Gen 30:32). Even though Laban thought this was a good deal for him, he ended up changing Jacob’s wages ten times (Gen 31:7). Laban knew Jacob was economically valuable to him, and he needed to make sure that Jacob remained an average guy lest they part company. But in all, it was God who, through a dream, showed Jacob what to opt for in his negotiation, and it became a game-changer for him (Gen 31:11-12). By the wisdom of God, Jacob rose above the limitations of his uncle to own his business.

Jacob learned this lesson: “I am the Lord your God who teaches you to profit” (Isa 48:17).  

Precious one, where has God brought you in life? Is it the place where your capacity and resources aren’t able to secure the results and progress you seek? Turn it to God in prayer. In faith, hand over all your challenges to Him, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. He is able to make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isa 43:19). Perhaps you are at the point where your hard work is not yielding any returns. The God of heaven is the God who sees. Turn to Him, and He will give you the power, idea, vehicle, or network to create wealth (Deut 8:18). Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 30

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so 

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Is God interested in your economic life?
2. Have you awakened to your limitations and how are you walking and working with God to do all things?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Father, when lights are low and clouds are thick, you are the strength of your people. I affirm that jointly with you all things are possible. I choose to work with You, Lord, in all that I do. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Samuel 12; Jeremiah 16; Matthew 27