The Mind of Christ

Genesis 31:7
yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me.

As we move through the book of Genesis we encounter Jacob. Jacob is an ornery man and often finds himself in difficult situations. Jacob stole the birthright from his brother and ran off to Gilead in order not to be killed or injured by his brother.While there he meets Laban the Aramean and he has two daughters Rachael and Leah. Jacob falls head over heels for Rachael but Laban tricks Jacob into marrying both of his daughters. The one caveat to Jacob being allowed to marry his daughters is that Jacob must work for Laban. Jacob works for Laban for years on end with little pay and is taken advantage of throughout this season of life.

but God…

This adventure in the Bible with Jacob is both encouraging and discouraging for us. First off we may feel discouraged to understand that God allows these trials to come about in our lives. Why??? Is it because we have sinned so much?? Can we do anything to prevent trials?? These are the questions we often find ourselves asking. Well let’s answer a few of these questions.

Trials will happen..sorry to spoil your aspirations of an easy life. John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations. But take heart; I have overcome the world. It is clear that we will go through seasons of trials but the verse doesn’t end there. God has made promises to us. He will not only be with us in the trials. He has also defeated the enemy and all that Satan has done to try and snatch you away. The purpose of these trials is not to see us fail but for our faith to increase. 1 Peter 1:7 states: “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” These trials that Jacob faced and we too face may seem hard. They may be long and uncomfortable. However, the promises of God are clear. He walks through these trials with us. They are to see us succeed in knowing Him more! This is why James, Jesus’s brother, said we can “count it all joy” when we face trials because ultimately we are drawn closer to God.

Secondly we learn that we are protected!!! My wife is the assistant director at the preschool at the creek. One of her favorite parts of being a director is the “drop off” at the beginning and end of each day. However, at the beginning of the year often the children will cry when they have to leave their parents. The children know they are safe with Mom and Dad but when they have to leave it makes them nervous. When Jacob ran off to Gilead, I’m sure he felt the same emotions. Perhaps you do too when you face trials or new situations. We are told in the verse is that “God did not allow” Laban to harm him. This is the same promise God makes to you.We are told in Psalm 18:2-3 “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my savior, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.”

We will have trials, they will be hard and uncomfortable, but take heart knowing that God alone is in control and has a divine purpose for every challenge we face. These moments of struggle are not in vain; they serve to strengthen our faith and build our character. God loves you deeply and protects you with His unwavering grace, guiding you through even the darkest valleys. Remember that in times of difficulty, you are never alone; His presence is a comforting assurance that will never forsake you! Embrace each trial as an opportunity for growth and trust in the immense love that God has for you!!!