His Word: Genesis 28:15 “See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you.”
Observation and Obedience: This verse in Genesis was a promise God made to Jacob in a dream. Jacob was on the run; he was alone, his life was in danger and his future was looking pretty dim. Jacob had schemed with his Mother, deceived his Father and stolen his brother Esau’s birthright. Thus, he had a rock for a pillow and no roof over his head. He also probably had a lot on his mind, a bit of anxiety and hopelessness. But God, OUR GOD, friend of sinners, revealed himself and declared his love anyway. In the dream, God first identified Himself and then laid out His plan for Jacob. “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham, and the God of Isaac. I will give to you and your children after you the land where you are lying. 14 They will be like the dust of the earth. You will spread out to the west and the east and the north and the south. Good will come to all the families of the earth because of you and your children.” God followed the reveal of His plan with His promise to see Jacob through. He promised to be wherever Jacob was, always caring and always providing. His presence was for the duration of all He had promised. However long it took!
What stands out to me in this verse, and what I would like to focus on is God said “until I have done all the things“. God’s plan for Jacob was not dependent on Jacob doing. Jacob didn’t have a very good record to stand on. He had already messed things up! It was God’s doing! God’s plan for our lives is His doing! Let’s personalize that…….God’s plan for my life is His doing!
So what’s our responsibility?
God keeps it pretty simple for us, we’re the ones that complicate things. He wants us to partner with him. So let’s look at 10 ways we can compliment God’s plan instead of complicate it. We can all count to 10 from a very early age. Miss Mymy already counts to 10! Ten Fingers, Ten Toes, Ten Commandments, the Tenth of March…….you get the picture.
#1- Recognize God when He introduces Himself to YOU! “See, I am with you.” There is none like Him. He dreamed you up, created you and breathed life into you. He’s CrAzY in love with YOU! ……..“Hello!!” ………See HIM.
#2- Acknowledge God in every situation…….. because he’s already there. You might as well invite Him in. He won’t force himself on you, but he’s there ready to help. “I will care for you everywhere you go.”
#3- Humble yourself before Him. You had nothing to do with being here! It wasn’t your idea, it wasn’t your plan, it wasn’t your doing. Your days have already been determined by HIM! So accept that God’s plan for your life is His to direct. “I will bring you again to this land.”
#4- Quiet your mind and heart long enough to hear His still small voice. He could BLAST you, but he’s tender, patient and loving. He sends whispers of love each day, they’re ours to capture. Don’t miss them. “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret” (Psalm 37:7).
#5- Ask forgiveness and be forgiving. Say “I’m Sorry”. (If your pillow is a rock….. it may be time). Let the love of Christ wash you clean and give you a fresh, new start. People may hold grudges, but God doesn’t. (Nor should we.) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14)
#6- Make time each day for the one who determines the number or your days. He’s always with you, wherever you are, so there’s no excuse not to. “For I will not leave you”
#7- Let His light shine through you. Be a reflection of Him. Let go of whatever it is that’s clouding your reflection and dimming your light! Give it up! Don’t you love it when someone says “that baby looks just like…..”. Who do people see when they see you? “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14 & 16)
#8- Don’t miss an opportunity to bless someone. Change your point of view from “woe is me”, to “how can I help?”. It doesn’t take much in this hurting world to bless someone. And when you do, you will actually receive the greater blessing. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; (Proverbs 11:25 msg)
#9- Be thankful in all things. I love Ann VosKamp’s revelation that “Thanksgiving ALWAYS precedes the Miracle.” When your focused on the blessings and gifts in each day and being thankful for them, you cannot be stressed out. It’s impossible for your mind and spirit to do both at the same time. And aren’t we all looking for a miracle? And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
#10- Let God be God! He’s qualified, He’s able, He’s GOT THIS!!! He’s Got YOU!!! There’s really no place else I’d rather be than in the center of His will and plan for my life. It’s the safest place to be. But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)
Prayer: Thank You God that Your plan for my life is Your doing. It’s not dependent on anything more than my yes. You are so patient. You are so aware of every detail. You don’t miss anything, and that is so comforting to me. Thank you for providing the help we so desperately need in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for your word, your love letter to us. It is full of promise, hope, encouragement and LIFE. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable unto to you, oh Lord. In Jesus Holy and Mighty Name, Amen.
Encouragement: “Sometimes we choose our own adventures, and sometimes they are thrust upon us, new experiences or seasons of life where much is unfamiliar or the way seems to threaten. It’s there I’m reminded of the robust truth that God is here wherever “here” is. And because God is here, then I am safe.” Ann Voskamp
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