“CHANGE IS YOUR CHOICE”
God’s Way Is the Right Way.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world
but be transformed.” Romans 12:2 NIV.
Situations and seasons of life hold the power to greatly shape who you become. Those moments may appear incidental at first, but they touch matters which are eternal. When you meet God in ways you have not previously known Him, that moment can change you forever. Experiences, as well as relationships, produce defining moments that impact what you will value and how you will live. Moments define individuals, marriages, families, friendships, communities, churches, nations, and even eternity.
Jacob is a case in point. He spent much of his life running. He ran from home after deceiving his father. He ran from Esau, a brother he had cheated and angered. Jacob ran from Laban, a conniving uncle who prospered at his expense. Really, Jacob was running from himself, probably unhappy with who he had become.
Running from God is exhausting and ineffective. Jacob ran from God, until he was too tired to run anymore. That happens to everyone eventually. You just get weary of the public masquerade and tired of being someone less than you are meant to be. In that moment, of self-discovery, you are finally ready to meet God without conditions. That’s when Jacob met God. “So, Jacob was left alone, and God wrestled with him until daybreak.” Genesis 32:24 NIV. God knows that you are worth His every effort. Eventually, Jacob’s heart turned toward home, a home he had left long before. An admired friend of mine described home this way, “Home is a place, where when you come there, they have to let you in.” Jacob headed homeward.
He sent messengers to Esau that he was coming; he sent his servants and herds and flocks ahead with gifts for Esau. He finally sent his family, and all his possessions. Jacob was tired of running; he was coming home. First, he faced the problems of his past. That is always your first step toward future blessings. Alone, Jacob struggled with God until his breakthrough. I think Jacob was struggling with himself more than God. At last, Jacob wanted to be right more than rich.
I love the longsuffering and patience of our Heavenly Father. Jacob’s story has defining moments. He recognized that he had to face the man he had become. He had to face Esau, the brother he had betrayed. And most importantly, he had to make things right with God.
Are there amends you need to make? The Bible is clear. ”If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-25 NIV.
I love the moment of truth. “God wrestled with Jacob until daybreak.” Genesis 32:24 NIV. God’s loving pursuit of you is indefatigable. Read 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV. God wrestled with Jacob until Jacob wanted what God alone could provide, “I will not let you go unless You bless me.” Read Genesis 32: 27-29 NKJV. Any life without God at its center is not worth living.
God is serious about your need for change; you must be serious about needing His help to change. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 NIV.
My prayer for you today is to know and highly value all which is eternal.
EDL Communications 2019
Website and archives: allenrandolph.com
Facebook.com/everydaylife.allenrandolph