Jacob ran away from home after stealing his brother, Esau’s, blessing from their father, Isaac. It was while he was resting, on his way to his uncle, Laban, that He had an encounter with God. Jacob’s adventures with God began.
He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying…” (Gen. 28:12-13 NIV)
If you read further down to verse 15, you will see that God was pretty much telling Jacob the same thing He had told Abraham. And Jacob too had a change of name like his grandfather. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. Adventures with God is interesting, as we are seeing.
Even when Jacob was cheated by his uncle, Laban, God still ensured that Jacob ran into no losses. God made Esau forgive Jacob for stealing his blessings. Jacob had 12 sons born to him. These sons formed the 12 tribes of Israel. From one of the tribes, Judah, Jesus Christ was born.
Jacob had some trying events on his adventure with God. He lost his wives, heartbroken when he thought Joseph was dead, fleeing from Laban and more.
Throughout the journey, God did all He promised to do for Jacob. He never compromised once. Again, on adventures with God, God always does what He promises to do.
In the process of achieving your dreams, some things will happen. Bad things for sure. Things that will push you to want to leave and give up on achieving your dreams. But God doesn’t want you to give up on your dreams. He doesn’t want you to quit.
At a point during the learning period, the lessons will be hard, and you will want to give up, but don’t. That is the time you should keep moving and follow through with the instructions. You can rest for a while, but never give up. Sometimes, at the point of giving up is where your best lessons are. Don’t quit.
Look at the story of Jacob and his uncle, Laban, in the bible. Laban had cheated Jacob. Instead of giving Jacob, Rachel as his wife, Laban gave him Leah. After serving for seven years, he was offered the wrong bride. What did Jacob do? He didn’t complain, neither did he give up. He didn’t quit. He served for another seven years just so that he could have the woman he loved, Rachel.
People will do and/or say things that could discourage you, but don’t look at them or what they are saying or doing. Look at Jesus, the one who completes you. He gives you the strength to do all things. He strengthens you not to quit.
“I am worn out, O Lord; have pity on me! Give me strength; I am completely exhausted.” Psalms 6:2 GNB.
“I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Phil. 4:13 GNB.
Prayer:
Lord, give me the strength to continue on my journey towards fulfilling my destiny. Give me the strength not to quit. Help me to focus on you and not on anything or anyone. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.
Action point:
Find bible verses like the ones above and use them anytime you encounter a discouraging person, situation, or remark. That is your shield.
