Tuesdays with Jacob

Read Genesis 25:21-23 – Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body;One people shall be stronger than the other,And the older shall serve the younger.” (NKJV)

For some of us, it seems like every day is a struggle. Even from the beginning of life, many people feel like every step they take has been uphill—conflict, abuse, poverty and many other challenges offer formidable opposition to a chance for peace. Feelings of opposition and struggle wear on you and make you wonder why things are so difficult for you when it seems others are enjoying advantages you never had. But God doesn’t waste our moments. Esau and Jacob were at war from the beginning, but God’s words to Rebekah revealed His purpose and even the future reality they will bring. God will use this challenging journey to accomplish an important purpose in these boys, one that will forever shape the nation God will call His own. So don’t reject your challenges, but recognize that your God is working His purpose around you and in you.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.