Phillipians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
When we step into faith in Jesus, we receive all that we need: salvation, forgiveness of sins, adoption as sons and daughters, etc. Yet it is often a lifelong process of growing into all that is ours. Our Christian faith is often spoken of in terms of a marathon, not a sprint.
The Old Testament character Jacob is a perfect example of one who had everthing he needed. The Promises made to his Grandfather Abraham would be continued in him. Yet he spend a lifetime of both making mistakes and growing in his relationship with God.
What can we learn from the life of Jacob in terms of trusting God and the process he works in us, taking us from an immature faith to a Courageus Faith?
Be
Genesis 25:19-34- God’s promise that all nations on earth would be blessed through Abraham’s seed. Calling on Jacob’s life even before he was born.
Again and again Jacob tries to make what God already said would happen, happen in his own way. Causing division and difficulties. Yet, unlike Esau, he cared for the things of God. God’s promises meant nothing to Esau. How many care more about the things of the world then the promises and birthright of God?
Patient in the Waiting- The __Process __Brings the Promise
This who next section of Jacobs life seems like a sidetrack to all that God wants to do through him. It seems like it is simply consequences to his bad behavior and wasted time, yet it is during this very time that God shapes Jacob and builds his faith and where the promise begins to be fulfilled.
Though he knew of God, on the way, he comes to meet the one who knows him at Bethel. Genesis 28:10-15
The deceiver is deceived. His time with Uncle Laban Genesis 29
There are repercussions to our actions, yet God is faithful.
Despite all the seemingly wasted years and troubles with Uncle Laban, God blessed Jacob during this time, bringing him wealth and begining to fulfil his promises (Decendants)
The Process Brings the Promise -Same for us. It is often in the waiting seasons, the seasons where it seems like wilderness that God works, often behind the scenes to bless us. When we look to rush this season, we short circuit the process.
The
Jacob is finally heading home with his wives, children and riches, but what is waiting for him? His brother that, last time he saw him, wanted to kill Him!
Genesis 32:1-12 God brings him into a confrontation with his past and his shortcomings. Prays and asks God to stay true to his promise
Genesis 32:22-32 Wrestles with God. Won’t let him go until he blesses him.
We often think that wrestling with God is a bad thing. Yet it was in the wresting with God that things change for Jacob.
In the wrestling He learns that things have to change. Had to learn that it wasn’t by striving and deceiving but by God’s grace that he would take hold of the promise.
He leaves with a limp. “Never trust a leader without a limp”. Our past makes us who we are today.
Luke 7:47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little
Proverbs 24:16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.