Discouragement

Genesis 28:10-30:43

SITUATION 
Jacob left his home and started a four hundred-mile trip north to Haran to search for a wife. In place of the customary dowry. Jacob pledged seven years' labor (which became seven more years, thanks to Laban's deception)

OBSERVATION
God remains faithful to us, just as He did to Jacob He fulfills His promise by blessing us during trying circumstances.

INSPIRATION
God is economical . He doesn't waste training or experience. He knows what we are doing, what we are learning, and how He is going to use all of that five, ten, twenty years from now.

It's easy to be disappointed when we have prepared for "the plan of God for my life," only to have the door shut in our face. That's because we were busy focusing on the plan when God was focusing on the preparation. Watch how He uses that preparation in a whole new way. When the signals are blurred and you are uncertain, keep on praying, getting Christian counsel, but don't stop what you are doing. Trust Him to steer you if you are on the wrong course. But don't stop!

God may have to change your course, butt when He does, you will have the momentum for it.

God knows how to move you when the time comes for you to be moved. He knows what is happening to you and what should be happening for you. In other words, trust God to be God. There isn't anything He doesn't know.

APPLICATION
Are you frustrated because your life plan progresses slower than you like? Remember, Jacob served twice as long as He originally intended before reaching His goal. Right now, pray that God will guide you everyday through His plan and keep you trusting.

Deuteronomy 1:9; Joshua 1:9; 1 Samuel 1:10-18; Psalm 62:5; Proverbs 13:12; Ephesians 3:13; James 4:13-16.