“The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13)
Cattle keepers are always looking for pasture land. Sometimes they wander into hostile territory where they are quickly repulsed. But there also those lands where they’re given plenty. So, imagine a situation where one meets a landowner who promises one a square mile but on condition to first look after his herd. The person is happy and gladly works the land expectant of his bounty. However, upon finishing his tasks and years of hard labour, the landowner goes back on his word by insisting, “I can only give you a square mile as promised after you labour for me yet another decade!”
This is the sort of situatuon Jacob faced. Laban had promised him marriage to his younger and most beautiful daughter Rachel only after working the land for seven years. Without hesitation Jacob got to work, but after faithfully doing his part, Laban changed goal posts. Asked, “Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work” (Gen 29:26-27).
Instead of giving in, Jacob “worked for Laban another seven years” ( vv 29). For his trials, the Lord blessed Jacob mightily that in another tasty exchange he rebuked Laban, “You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock has fared under my care. The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been” ( Gen 30:29-30).
Ultimately Jacob would have to live in hasty circumstances against Laban’s willingness but by then he was mightily blessed ( Gen 31).
Just like Jacob, you too could have chanced upon a Laban. He has gone against the original terms of the deal. He has changed goal posts and won’t release the payment you are due. Here is a boss who keeps coming up with all crazy new directives, leaving you besides yourself.
But then there is a God of Jacob who knows all about your faithfulness. Persevere in faith. When the time comes God will release you from that bondage with far more than the enemy sought to steal from you, as that is what exactly happened to Jacob!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you who sees all my labors and travails, I pray for your blessings through all situations, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
