GOD’s plan for me can’t be stopped

Genesis 48: ³ Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and there he blessed me ⁴ and said to me, ‘I am going to make you fruitful and increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you.’

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Sitting at my desk preparing for a meeting my boss’s boss came into my office exclaiming “The head of the department wants to meet with you. What’s this all about?” “I have no idea” was my true reply. As I sat in this rare meeting I soon found out he was asking for a favor from “me.”

The project I was working on had some personal meaning to him and he wanted special care of it. I promised and followed through with my commitments to him.  I went back to business as usual. Years later I discovered that my fast track promotions were all because he was watching over me and I didn’t even know it.

• When GOD has a plan for me, no one has the power to disturb it.
• When GOD has a plan for me, it will happen just as HE planned.
• When GOD has a plan for me, HE says “I will” which means “it will” happen.

Sometimes I think I have to do stuff to be noticed or become great, BUT GOD has a plan that is far greater than any plan I could come up with. Many times I can’t see HIM working but HE is there. HE has calculated my sins along with the sins of everyone involved and built a plan that can’t fail.

When GOD says “I will” it means HE built the plan without consulting me, and that’s a good thing! HE only has love built into HIS plan for me and my input would be sinful and selfish. I am glad GOD made the choice to include me in HIS plan.

• What is your purpose?
• Is GOD using your life or are you busy worrying?
• Can GOD have everything including your sin?
• Won’t you let GOD direct your steps and let HIM take care of the plan no matter how complicated or desolate it seems?

Desperate to be a slave

Genesis 47: ²⁵ “You have saved our lives,” they said. “May we find favor in the eyes of our lord; we will be in bondage to Pharaoh.”

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“Incumbent” was the word I learned at the end of my college career. It meant I owed them some money and unless I came up with the cash, I would not graduate. I hadn’t done the math but I quickly figured my lack of income plus bills equals problems.

I panicked and went into the counselor’s office.  Taking out a loan was my option but I knew I needed to start paying within months of graduation. I needed a job! One company took a chance on me. I was saved. I could pay my bills.

• When bills pile up I get nervous.
• When cash is low I get nervous.
• When the future seems cloudy I get nervous.

The Israelites grew desperate and sold themselves into slavery. They sold their land and themselves because of a sever famine. They were desperate.

When I get desperate, I panic and will do pretty much anything for self-preservation.  This may mean working for groups I don’t want to work with.

• GOD understands my desperations and has taken them into account when building a plan for me.
• GOD understands my panicked behavior and wants me to settle down enough to listen to HIM.
• GOD understands my blindness to my situation and desires that I communicate with HIM to show my reliance on HIM.

In order for GOD to be supreme in my life I must be willing to accept HIS plan for me, the way HE designed it. This may mean some bumpy times but rather than becoming desperate HE wants me to become reliant on HIM.

• Are you becoming desperate?
• Do you feel panic ensuing?
• Won’t you look to GOD for peace?
• Can you turn you panic into helping someone else become calm by telling them about GOD’s love?

GOD’s plan may include a journey

Genesis 46: ² And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

³ “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. ⁴ I will go down to Egypt with you, and I will surely bring you back again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.”

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“Is there someone who will go with me?” was the question posed to me that changed my life completely.  I had never been out of the country before and my thinking at that time was “why would I?” I mean we have nice beaches, mountains, scenery and sinners.  If I wanted to tell someone about CHRIST or vacation I could do it here!

I don’t know why, but I found myself getting up and volunteering. After the exhilarated feeling, fear consumed me. We were going to go to a country in Africa and all I could picture was dirty water and dirt sandwiches for dinner. I am glad I was thoroughly wrong as I went on the trip twenty years ago!

• The reason I don’t “go” is out of my fear and self-preservation.
• The reason I don’t “go” is because I may not be informed.
• The reason I don’t “go” is because I love my lifestyle and I don’t want to feel uncomfortable.

Not everyone is cut out for missions work but it truly has opened my eyes to a global gospel. Every word spoken in the Bible has to apply to all humans, not just a segment.

• When GOD told me to “GO” HE took away my fears.
• When GOD told me to “GO” HE opened my eyes to global compassion.
• When GOD told me to “GO” HE already had a plan for my protection.

I’m not saying everything went according to plan on all my trips, but HE has enabled me to meet people who will spread HIS message around the world and I truly feel blessed.

• Are you stuck in a rut?
• Is your life confined to the four walls of your home or job?
• Can you listen to GOD and see where HE is sending you?

GOD even uses evil for good

Genesis 45: ⁴ Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! ⁵ And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

⁶ For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. ⁷ But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

⁸ “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.

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Scared and confused I left a company that I had poured heart and soul into. I had run into the wrong mix of people and found myself on the outside of “the club.” For a while I felt like I was in the desert. “GOD where are you?” I would cry out.

The desire to start a business was swelling in me. I pursued many options but nothing seemed right. I finally settled on a path and GOD started delivering people to me in droves. Many have helped me and some I helped. I prayed with many and cried with them. I never would have met these people if GOD hadn’t sent me.

• GOD knows I have to face painful situations so I can grow.
• GOD understands I have to face adversity in order to be made into what HE wants me to be.
• GOD delivers me into HIS house in spite of any evil plan thought up by others or me.

Humans think they have control of lives and situations BUT GOD knows better. HIS plans are far above my thoughts, desires or worries. HE is the deliverer of my salvation!

• Are you going through something?
• Do you think GOD has left you alone?
• Won’t you open your eyes and see HIS deliverance?
• Can’t you give HIM your best AND your worst so HE can show you HIS plan?

Speak up humbly

Genesis 44: ¹⁴ Joseph was still in the house when Judah and his brothers came in, and they threw themselves to the ground before him. ¹⁵ Joseph said to them, “What is this you have done? Don’t you know that a man like me can find things out by divination?”

¹⁶ “What can we say to my lord?” Judah replied. “What can we say? How can we prove our innocence? God has uncovered your servants’ guilt. We are now my lord’s slaves—we ourselves and the one who was found to have the cup.”

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After another friend of mine was released I figured something had to be done.  I scheduled a meeting with the head of the very large department to give him a piece of my mind.  We sat and discussed what was going on.  He seemed cordial listening to my rants.

I later spoke to someone about my approach. They insisted that I had made a terrible mistake and I should do damage control. I had made an enemy because my approach was abrasive.

• Sometimes when I think I’m right I speak up loudly.
• Sometimes when I speak up I forget who I am talking to.
• Sometimes when I forget who I’m talking to I may use words of rage.

Depending on who I am speaking with, common conversation could be words of condemnation. Information has to be worded carefully to convey the right message to be heard rather than repulsed.

Judah did not recognize his brother Joseph but knew he was a man of great stature. Joseph could have Judah thrown in jail or killed instantly so Judah spoke with humble words. He thought about his approach and didn’t blurt out what was on the top of his head.

• GOD wants me to consult HIM before I address people.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for the message before I respond.
• GOD wants me to humbly deliver messages rather than adding my poison.

Actually I should speak to everyone with tact. Building people up should be top of mind. My humble tongue helps the situation.

• Do you speak to people abrasively?
• Do you have harsh words for people?
• Do you feel people need to hear you or should you humbly request to be heard?
• Can you ask GOD for your words before you speak them?

A story of forgiveness

Genesis 43: ²⁰ “We beg your pardon, our lord,” they said, “we came down here the first time to buy food. ²¹ But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver—the exact weight—in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us. ²² We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in our sacks.”

²³ “It’s all right,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

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Frustration was the look on my face as I sat there not knowing what to do. My boss was no help and I felt thoroughly inadequate in my new role. My boss’s boss invited me into his office and invited me to sit down. “Oh boy, here it comes, I’m going to be fired and I haven’t even started.” I thought to myself.

He said “Stop worrying, I’m sending you to a training class. I want you to take on more responsibility.”

• When I mess up I feel lost.
• When I am burdened I feel I am wandering.
• When I face difficult times I feel like I need to justify my every move.

Joseph’s brothers tried to kill him. Now, unknowingly, they had to buy food from him. Joseph was somewhat graceful and gave them food along with their silver but commanded them to bring their brother back. Joseph had forgiven them. They were frightened and thought the worse. I do the same.

I think GOD is looking to punish me more and more so I get scared and brace myself for the next wave of punishment. BUT GOD is different.

• GOD looks for opportunities to show HIS great love to me and others so HE can draw people to HIM.
• GOD looks for times HE can bless me so I can bless others.
• GOD looks for chances where I am willing to listen to HIM and see HIM so HE can show me HIS unfailing love.

It truly takes faith to see GOD working in adverse times. Everyone around may not see what GOD sees so the news may seem dismal. GOD’s plan is awesome so I’m taking HIS advice when HE says “Don’t be afraid.”

• Are you afraid?
• Does the situation seem hopeless?
• Can you keep moving forward with GOD knowing HE is blessing you right now?
• Won’t you be a blessing to someone today to show your faith in HIM?

Punished or Blessed?

Genesis 47: ²¹ They said to one another, “Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

²² Reuben replied, “Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn’t listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.” ²³ They did not realize that Joseph could understand them, since he was using an interpreter.

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“We are eliminating your position” were the devastating words that seemed to rip my soul apart. I had never heard these words, so I had to replay segments of my work history during my sleepless nights. I tried to think about sins I may have fallen into that made GOD so mad that HE would rip my job out of my hands.

Maybe it was the time I flirted with a person a decade before or maybe I was getting too arrogant in my status or maybe it was my lack of giving. Any way it goes I must be getting punished for something.  Maybe I need to quit sinning all together!

• When things go wrong I sometimes think I’m being punished.
• When difficult situations appear I ask “why me” in hopes that things would change.
• When I face adversity in life I immediately think I am being punished, otherwise I would be getting “my way.”

It’s quite amazing how negative I think GOD is sometimes.  I mean when things go wrong I see HIM as this judgmental, goody, goody being who doesn’t understand just how hard it is to follow HIS ways. When things go right I praise HIM. Well… maybe sometimes I praise HIM when I’m not taking credit.

• GOD wants me to see HIS plan no matter how tragic things seem.
• GOD wants me to recognize HIS masterful work in spite of the gloomy hour.
• GOD wants me to acknowledge HIS HOLY SPIRIT to get me through the miry decisions.

GOD does not want me to rely on my intellect rather HE wants me point people to HIM in spite of what is going on.

• Do you have difficulty in your life?
• Do you think there is no way out?
• Can you rely on GOD to bring you out of your situation?
• Didn’t you believe that GOD could do anything at one time?

I can’t take credit for my abilities

Genesis 41: ¹⁵ Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

¹⁶ “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

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Don’t ask me why I did this but I prayed that I would be successful in my career. I had stopped praying or it was seldom and now I was out in the real world. Amazing things happened over the years and I saw GOD working.

Then I started taking credit for my abilities. “I deserve that promotion!” I thought to myself. “Maybe I should quit and show them they can’t function without me!”

When I think I did something on my own I get arrogant.

When I think my abilities are from my hard work I become blind.

When I think I have talent that is superior I am highly mistaken.

I love the term Joseph used “I cannot do it, BUT GOD will…” Joseph recognized his limitations and acknowledged GOD’s power. He had no expectations of GOD rather he pointed his faith toward HIS power.

When I give GOD credit for giving me talent, I use them for HIS purposes.

When I give GOD credit for making me who I am then I will be thankful for where HE takes me.

When I give GOD credit for my abilities then I won’t squander them.

I cannot do anything without GOD.  HE is my power and my guide. No plan will prosper without HIS blessing.

Do you think you acquired your talent on your own?

Do you believe you have raw talent?

Can you recognize where your talents come from?

Won’t you give GOD credit for blessing you with abilities that you alone possess for HIS purpose?

GOD is with me

Genesis 39: ² The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. ³ When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, ⁴ Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 

⁵ From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field.

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All seemed lost as my interviews hadn’t gone so well, then a recruiter appeared and I was hired for my first job out of college. I was lost on my new job and my boss’s boss took me under his wing. Lost in my work, a recruiter reached out to me with a wonderful job that I took back in my home town.

Other positions and opportunities followed all because of the right person was put in front of me when I was lost.

• Sometimes I feel lost especially when I’m not getting my way.
• There are times when I feel lost and don’t have a path to travel.
• Many times I have felt lost and despair sets in.

Joseph was thrown in a hole by his brothers who hated him. Sold into slavery, his plans and dreams seemed impossible. BUT GOD was with him. I must admit, this piece of history seemed a little too convenient. Can this happen to me?

• GOD said “I AM with you” when HE gave me HIS SON.
• GOD said “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
• GOD said “No one can take you out of my hands.”

When GOD connected with me there is no human, no demon, no situation or circumstance that can separate me from HIS love. HE is the glue that sticks to me even through sin and shame. HE gives me comfort knowing HE is with me even until the end of this age and beyond!

• Do you feel lost?
• Are you feeling a bit down?
• Can you recognize that GOD is with you?
• Won’t you let HIM take control of the situation and watch HIS power?

Time to “Break Out!”

Genesis 38: ²⁷ When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. ²⁸ As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This one came out first.”²⁹ But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you have broken out!” And he was named Perez.

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Sitting at my desk I broke out a book trying to teach myself the skill I was hired for.  Sneers of disappointment came from my supervisor as I fumbled my assignments. I spent hours teaching myself skills. Soon I learned more than my boss, in fact I learned more than most in the department. It took some time but it was finally my time to “break out!”

• It takes perseverance to get to the point of breaking out.
• It takes steadfast drive to get to the point of breaking out.
• It takes determination to get to the point of breaking out.

Perez literally means “Breaking out!” He was determined to be first and his determination gave him a will to succeed. What about obstacles in life? Won’t they cause me to stumble and possibly fail? Yes, but obstacles don’t mean I should give up, it means persevere with GOD.

• When I’m on the same side with GOD, I cannot fail.
• When I include GOD in my plans, I cannot fail.
• When I ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do” I cannot fail.

GOD is the only one who can make plans succeed.  HE gives me strength to keep my drive. He gives me faith to keep my determination. HE gives me protection to keep moving ahead.

• Are you facing obstacles?
• Have you written your obstacles down and asked GOD about them?
• Can you persevere to reach the point where you will break out?
• Won’t you let GOD continue to prepare you for the greatness HE has for you?

Jealousy doesn’t make me right

Genesis 37: ³ Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. ⁴ When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

⁵ Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.

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Studying hard had paid off. My coworker and I were at the top of our class and became highly sought after in our office. That all fell apart when this smooth talking guy was hired.  He didn’t know all the information that my coworker and I knew yet he was getting the glamorous assignments.  I didn’t like that guy.  I wonder if we should have plotted against him.

Jealousy blinds me to my own abilities.

Jealousy makes me think I am inadequate.

Jealousy causes me to see things that aren’t there.

When I look at the fortune someone else has I get jealous and turn into a pouter. Instead of being happy for the person and celebrating, my jealousy kicks in and I say, “Why isn’t that happening to me?” or “Why is ‘that’ creepy person making it and I’m not?”

Celebrating with others actually helps me grow.

Congratulating others puts me in a mindset of gratitude rather than one of despair.

Complimenting others forces me to find the good in the person rather than seeing their flaws.

Instead of being jealous, envious and spiteful, GOD wants me to be gracious enough to actually enjoy what other people are accomplishing in spite of where I’m at. GOD wants me to show love as an example to draw mankind to HIM.

Can you recognize jealousy in yourself?

Are you focusing on what you don’t have and what others have?

Are you “half” complimenting GOD by giving thanks to HIM and turning around and complaining about what you don’t have?

Can you turn your jealousy and envy into compliments and gratitude?

Make GOD number ONE

Genesis 34: ² So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. ³ Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” 

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Productivity was extremely low around the company as the impending message of doom was going to be announced at the company.  It was early in my career so I felt a little confident but that confidence waned as the week went on.  I had worked so hard, were they going to cut me? I began to pray.

I received a call asking me to move to another city with the company. GOD had answered my prayers. “Well I guess I better put the company first” I thought to myself.

• Many times I have made work my idol.
• Many times I have made money a false god of “security.”
• Many times I have made cars and other toys things to cherish.

I have treated some of the material things better than humans pushing thousands of dollars into them just to maintain them.  I have also treated jobs like they were a god, dedicating more time to it than GOD HIMSELF. What does GOD want from me?

• GOD wants me to make HIM the number one GOD.
• GOD does not want any human or job to be worshipped more than HIM.
• GOD does not want my house, car, money, clothing, jewelry or any other material thing to be worshipped more than HIM.

If anything or anyone gets in the way of worshipping HIM it will soon become a problem. Worry, fear and doubt will permeate my being and that is not what HE wants. GOD wants me to have peace. Anything or anyone that destroys my peace has been placed higher than HIM. GOD says look at ME and you will have peace.

• Are you worried about something?
• Are you thinking about someone and get filled with fear and doubt?
• Won’t you place your faith in GOD, knowing HE has control of every situation?
• Can you accept your purpose with HIM?

Should I get involved?

Genesis 34: ⁵ When Jacob heard that his daughter Dinah had been defiled, his sons were in the fields with his livestock; so he did nothing about it until they came home.

⁶ Then Shechem’s father Hamor went out to talk with Jacob. ⁷ Meanwhile, Jacob’s sons had come in from the fields as soon as they heard what had happened. They were shocked and furious, because Shechem had done an outrageous thing in Israel by sleeping with Jacob’s daughter—a thing that should not be done.

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Flight delay number two got me home extremely late.  I just wanted to go to bed but, alas, I had to drive home. As I reached my neighborhood, I noticed a car with four people sitting in it parked near my block. It was a strange place to be parked but I could definitely see a vantage point on houses nearby.

“Should I call the police?” I thought to myself. Then another thought popped in my head “If I call the police then they will come to my house which is in sight of these guys. Maybe I shouldn’t. And besides, I’m tired!”

• Fear of retribution makes me not get involved.
• Selfishness makes me steer clear of someone else’s situation.
• Calculating how much time will be spent helping someone else makes me say no way, my time is too precious.

It is so easy for me to overlook what is wrong when I’m selfish. I mean I can bury my head in my work and overlook what is harmful to someone else. I can say “not my problem” but I will scream for help if it were. What should I do?

• GOD wants me involved with other people to help them in difficult situations.
• GOD wants me to stand up to something that is wrong or harmful.
• GOD wants me engaged with my neighbors to cry with them, protect them and serve them.

Yes it takes more energy, but GOD wants me to help others especially when I don’t feel like it. By the way, I did call the police and they did catch the guys.

• Are you afraid of getting involved?
• Have you practiced overlooking wrongs for so long that you won’t confront them?
• Are you the one in the wrong?
• Can you get involved in a loving way, removing your opinion and giving the gift of GOD?

What is stolen will be replaced

Genesis 33: ⁸ Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?”

“To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said.

⁹ But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.”

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After a very long week of unpacking, things finally looked settled in our new house.  I woke up to a very sunny day, stepped into the garage only to find the door had been left open. This was a very rare occurrence so I surveyed my belongings and noticed several items missing, one of which was a tool box.

About a year later I helped our office move. The administrative assistant said, “Here is a tool box that we no longer use, do you want it?” It had more tools in it than the one stolen from me.

• When something gets stolen from me I pout like it will never be replaced.
• When something gets pilfered I get upset because I think I can’t ever get another one.
• When something gets taken I think the sneaky will always win and I will be a wimpy victim.

Jacob stole Esau’s birthright, blessing and place with their father. When GOD told Jacob to return he did it with a bribe because that’s all he could see. Esau, who had everything taken from him, was restored fully even to the point where his coffers were bursting at the seams.

• When stuff gets taken it is only stuff and I should thank GOD for the moment I had it.
• When items get lost, broken or stolen I should thank GOD for the time I had with it.
• When things get taken it may be the removal of a distraction away from GOD.

I’m not saying I like things to be taken away from me, what I’m saying is GOD gives and GOD takes away and it’s up to HIM to replace what is stolen. Each time I have been robbed, I got something better.

• Has something valuable to you been taken?
• Has someone cheated you out of something?
• Can you pray for that person to meet GOD?
• Won’t you let GOD deal with the missing items and pay attention to HIM?

How should I act when I am wrong?

Genesis 32: ⁴ He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. ⁵ I have cattle and donkeys, sheep and goats, male and female servants. Now I am sending this message to my lord, that I may find favor in your eyes.’”

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With the aroma of a freshly cooked meal I returned to work. Thinking my plot had worked I went home for the day.  The next day my supervisor popped in for a surprise visit. He said hello and left.  He then popped in again about 30 minutes later. He said these words that are etched in my mind, “I am very disappointed in you. I thought you were different and I find you sneaking off work.” To this day I wish I could apologize to him.

• When I mess up, it eats at me.
• When I mess up, I feel like I’m on the outside.
• When I mess up, I really want to fix what I broke.

I guess I’m wired to be a fixer. When it seems like something is broken I try to fix it, especially broken relationships. But what happen if I really messed up? How should I act?

• GOD wants me to humble myself when I mess up.
• GOD wants me to lower my expectations of thinking “I” can fix the situation.
• GOD wants me to depend on HIM to work on everyone’s heart including mine to mend the relationship.

Jacob had stolen his brothers’ inheritance and their father’s heart. He was deceitful and crafty and when GOD told him to return to his brother he was full of fear. His expectations were very low about the relationship so he sent a bribe ahead of his meeting. GOD made him humble and HE wants me to be the same.

• Are you struggling to find a situation where you were wrong?
• Do you even realize when you are wrong?
• Are you going to hold on to your wrong and try to justify it?
• Won’t you humble yourself and apologize, maybe even send a gift?

A prayer for missing you

Genesis 31: ⁴⁹ It was also called Mizpah, because he said, “May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.

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Many times I have had to leave family or friends or coworkers to embark on whatever journey I was sent on. Just the thought of being away seemed scary not because of the unknown for me, but who was going to take care of them?

• I pray that GOD watch over you and keep you whole.
• I hope the LORD will guide you in all your efforts.
• I ask GOD to bless you thoroughly.

All these things I ask for me as well because as Laban spoke to Jacob he prayed for both of them.

• Is there someone who you can pray for?
• Is someone about to go on a journey who you can pray for?
• Are you on a journey and need prayer?
• Can you stop focusing on you and pray for “that” person?

Blessed because of somebody else

Genesis 30: ²⁷ But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” 

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My friends’ living room became a second home for me. They always had good food and some fun games! Looking back I bet they wondered if I had a home of my own!  As their parents dished out advice to their sons I would listen and grumble just like my friends. Little did I know their sage advice would benefit me to this day.

• Being around the right people helps me grow.
• Being around the right people keeps me from falling.
• Being around the right people puts me on the right path.

I love praying for something and getting my prayer answered by GOD but sometimes I am blessed indirectly. Just being in the presence of someone else who is blessed helps me tremendously. Unfortunately when trouble comes my way I try to isolate myself thinking I need to fix my own problems.

GOD wants me to gather with others so I can be blessed.

• Are you isolated and feeling alone?
• Do you feel punished?
• Can you get out of your hole and go find some blessed people to be around?
• Can you “be” the blessed person someone needs to be around?

Waiting for something?

Genesis 29: ²⁰ So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.

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Patience has never been an attribute of mine. I would wake my parents at two o’clock in the morning asking about Christmas. When I started college I wanted to be finished so I could start working! Yeah, I think I’m crazy too. It seemed like the days and hours would drag by and when I looked at the clock, time would stand still! Seems like trials are the same way.

• When I really want something that seems unobtainable I pout as I wait on it.
• When I really want something but it’s not the right time I get impatient dreaming about it.
• When I really want something right now that isn’t going to be available for a while I get frustrated.

Just because I want something doesn’t mean I am ready for it. I remember wanting a management position but I had never managed anyone. When I got the opportunity I found it harder than I thought. I am glad I only had a small group so I could mature.

• GOD has told me to wait many times so I could get fully prepared to handle HIS plan.
• GOD has slowed me down many times because HE knows I would have stepped out too fast with things incomplete.
• GOD has placed obstacles in front of me to grow me for the task otherwise I would be too weak to handle the problems I will face.

Patience is definitely a virtue and whether I like it or not it is something GOD wants me to have. With patience, better things happen to everyone involved. Not only do I grow others do as well.

• Are you waiting for something to happen?
• Are you losing your hope?
• Can you understand that GOD wants you to keep on going to get stronger?
• Won’t you focus on HIS strengthening instead of looking at gloom?