Sometimes change is dreaded; sometimes
change is desirable. For many, there is nothing more intimidating than
the prospect of major changes in familiar routines and circumstances. New
conditions can result in debilitating anxiety attacks and overwhelming fears of
the unknown. Others welcome and embrace life’s changes as golden
opportunities to potentially forge fresh connections with growth and progress.
Allow me to cite two
diametrically-opposite Biblical examples:
Jacob submitted to Laban’s requirement of
indentured servitude to gain the hand of his lovely daughter, Rachel.
However, his employer resorted to deceptive practices in order to ‘marry off’
two daughters, Leah and Rachel. As a result, Jacob worked a total of
twenty years to fulfill the terms of the betrothal covenant and to gain a
substantial endowment of cattle. Jacob did not anticipate such an
extended time frame and was not so happy with his unexpected life-detour.
Even in their animal transaction, Laban intended to slight Jacob, but God
intervened with a creative strategy by which Jacob prevailed and prospered.
[Genesis, chapter 31]
Genesis 31:6-7;41
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father has deceived me, and CHANGED my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Thus have I been twenty years in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your cattle: and you have changed my wages ten times.
And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. And your father has deceived me, and CHANGED my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Thus have I been twenty years in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your cattle: and you have changed my wages ten times.
Although Laban designed contractual changes and deceptive
methods to gain the upper hand over Jacob, GOD allowed this grandson of
Patriarch Abraham, this father of Israel’s twelve tribes, to abundantly prosper.
In stark contrast, Job was totally desirous of
change. His life situation had completely deteriorated in sudden and
catastrophic ways. Virtually overnight, Job lost his children, his
health, his wealth, his wife’s goodwill and his closest friends’ support.
In that quagmire of absolute loss, Job’s mind pondered eternity: “If a man die,
shall he live again?” Nevertheless, he answered his own question with full
faith and intestinal fortitude: “All the days of my appointed time will I WAIT,
till my CHANGE comes.” (Job 14:14) In the end, God restored Job’s tragic
losses, and his latter years were far more blessed than his former.
While these two situations seem to be
radically different, they possess one common thread. Whether we are
happily experiencing changes in which we delight or struggling desperately with
changes that we dread, our GOD is
absolutely in control. Both Jacob and Job prevailed over their personal
detractors and life circumstances. For both parties, the element of
PATIENCE was a necessary prerequisite to eventually experiencing divine favor
and blessing. And Jesus Christ declares to us across time and eternity,
“By your patience possess your souls.” (Luke 21:19)
Therefore, in case it does not ‘look’ like
you are winning, please remember that our GOD is always up to something behind
the scenes. “And we know that all things
work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to
His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) My friend, stride
forward in faith, purpose, perseverance and power.
Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please
(above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.
Maranatha!
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