+DEV+ Trials

Date: December 27, 2009 9:47 AM
Topic: +DEV+ Trials

Trials

"Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all." (James 1:4)
Scripture Focus: Genesis 29:25-30; 30:25-43

Jacob went to stay with his Uncle Laban after his relationship with Esau fell apart. Beautiful Rachel caught his eye and he asked Laban for her hand in marriage. He promised to work for his uncle for seven years for her. On his wedding night Jacob discovered he had married her sister instead. Laban promised him Rachel too, but it cost Jacob an additional seven years of work. Laban cheated Jacob with his wages and didn't keep his promises. Then when Jacob finally decided to go back home, Laban tried to make him stay.

In spite of Laban's tricks, everything he did worked out for Jacob's good because God was in charge. Jacob learned patience and confidence in his abilities. His trials may have been hard to go through, but God used them to mature Jacob.

God took an unruly, selfish young man and turned him into a strong man who became the "father" of Israel. If we will listen and learn as Jacob did through the trials of life, God will make us what He wants us to be.

Insight: The trials in our lives can either push us away from God or bring us closer to Him. Which way will you choose?


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