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“Then the Lord said to him (Jacob), Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” Genesis 31:3 (HCSB)

Twenty years seems like a really long time to be away from home. Jacob’s deception had sent him on the run from his brother, Esau. (Genesis 27). His father-in-law, Laban’s deception had kept him bound to working for him. (Genesis 29). False never serves us well. Perhaps Jacob’s eyes were finally opened to the deceptive web his life had borne.

Despite his unjust treatment by Laban, Jacob worked hard for 20 years. Despite changing his wages, Jacob worked hard for 20 years. But now his desire was to leave, go home and take care of his family. After several attempts to move on, God paves the way saying, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

Don’t know about you but sometimes in the heat of the battle, we wonder if God sees. When injustices reign high and we know we’re giving our all discouragement settles in. False surrounds us and we’re doing all we can do to hold on to truth despite the circumstances. We look all around us and attempt to run, but God allows us to stay in the midst of it all until He says, “Go.”

Welcomed words, I’m sure for Jacob. To hear God’s release and know that He had seen it all. To realize freedom was just steps away and the chains had been loosed. To not wonder if God would continue to bless him once he left; the sweetness of God’s reassuring presence for the journey home echoing in his ears.

A stolen blessing had sent Jacob fleeing for his life and tore apart his family. A blessing given would follow Jacob back home and restore his relationship with Esau. Beyond his imagination – more than he could have ever conceived. What deception sought to destroy, God rebuilt and used for His ultimate glory.

Sweet friend, don’t think for a moment that God doesn’t see or isn’t fully aware of all that’s touching our lives. His memory is never short. He knows our heart – the ache, pain and misery birthed in the pit of deception. Hold on tight, do the right thing even if it’s hard and you will find He is the great rewarder of those who place their trust and faith in Him alone.

“Father we’ve ridden both sides of this journey deceived and deceiver. Missing out because false lead us in the wrong direction. Help us to stay close to You so truth will cover everything we do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life