- Scripture: Genesis 30:25–43
- The Anchor: “Thus the man increased exceedingly and had large flocks, female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.” – Genesis 30:43 (ESV)
This passage is about Jacob’s agreement with Laban. When Jacob says that it is time for him to leave, Laban doesn’t want to let him go, but he lets him go. Jacob makes an agreement with Laban that he will take the speckled and spotted animals, while Laban will keep the spotless animals. They go through with this agreement and settle far away from each other to prevent intermixing. Jacob uses a selective breeding technique that makes his spotted flock more superior and stronger to Laban’s flock.
God’s hand controls everything. Even in the most unrealistic of situations, simple trust in God is all that matters. Jacob’s flock was the undesirables and the less valuable animals, yet God made them strong, and He blessed Jacob with a strong flock and with so many other blessings. Even when the odds are stacked against us, God is with us. There are some instances in the Bible when God’s people take the harder way out, yet they still come out more blessed since God is with them. Through this passage, Jacob teaches me that I should trust that God will provide for me. Jacob quit his job, left his caretaker, got a flock of undesirable animals, and traveled far away, but his trust was in God.
Reflection
- Jacob ended up with the “undesirable” and less valuable animals, yet God made them strong and blessed him when the odds were stacked against him. When circumstances at school or in sports feel completely unfair, do you panic, or do you trust that God’s hand controls everything?
- Jacob took the harder way out and moved far away, but his simple trust was in God’s provision. As you run through morning practices, rehearsals, and planning sessions with Aaron, are you striving entirely in your own power or resting in God’s daily provision?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that Your hand controls everything, even in the most unrealistic situations. Help me to have simple trust in You when the odds are stacked against me. Give me the courage to take the harder path when You call me to, knowing that You are with me and will always provide. Amen.