TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. Genesis 28:10-11
Read: Genesis 28:10-11
Listen: Genesis 28
TODAY’S MESSAGE
We need to back up in Jacob’s story to understand why he feels lost, alone and afraid. We first need to look at Jacob’s grandpa, Abraham, to see how Jacob got to this place. Abraham has a special relationship with God, and God promises to bless him. Despite Abraham’s old age and his lack of children, God tells him that his descendants will be as many as the grains of sand on the earth. God blesses Abraham throughout his life, and eventually, the blessing passes down to his son, Isaac.
Isaac is on his death bed and wants to pass the blessing on to his oldest son Esau. However, Jacob has other plans and comes up with a way to trick his father and steal his brother’s blessing. Esau is so upset he wants to kill Jacob. So, Jacob leaves his home to travel six hundred miles and find some of his extended family. This is where we find Jacob. He’s on the run, alone and afraid.
Jacob isn’t the only one who made a mess. We can think of texts we wish we hadn’t sent, seasons we would erase, decisions we’d take back or promises we should have kept. But, as Pastor Jeff reminds us, sometimes it is in the very space where we feel lost, alone and afraid that God meets us. That may be the space where God encounters us and begins to renew us and reignite our faith.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you think about how God may reignite or renew your faith, make a plan to grow. One great way to grow in your faith is through a small group. If you are not in a group, you can learn more and sign up by following this link. If you are unsure what the right next step is for you, pray and ask God to help you.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse!
PSALMS 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
