You’ve Got Hope!
But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. Isaiah 43:1Is there a mountain in your way? Do doubts and fears abound in your little heart? Are you troubled not knowing what to do? Are you discouraged and struggling in your life?Fret not thus, O fainting heart!! Jesus is here to help you!!
God's promises are always abiding in us. Heaven and Earth may pass away, but His Word will never change. He gives promises and also fulfils them. Trust Him and His Word!
Like Jacob, we would have also gone through trials and difficulties. Did you know the meaning of Jacob was a deceiver or a supplanter? Well, we all are a "Jacob" of sorts. But look at the assurance he gets from God is excellent.
- Jacob had to suffer because of the people of Shechem. In Genesis 33:18,19, he came to Shalem, a city in Shechem in the land of Canaan. He bought a piece of ground there. In Genesis 48:22, he mentions how he got this portion of land - he took it out of the hand of the Amorite with his bow and sword. It wasn't an easy feat.
- He was deceived by his uncle Laban. In Genesis 31:40,41 we see how Laban dealt with Jacob and also persecuted him. The whole chapter reveals the tough time Jacob went through. But the Lord wonderfully delivered him from the hard labour and affliction.
- He was afflicted by his elder brother Esau. Esau sold his birthright when he was hungry. He later realised his foolishness. Thereafter, Esau was after Jacob to kill him because Jacob had deceived his brother subtly and stole his father's blessings. What happened between the brothers is mentioned in the entire chapter of Genesis 27.
But the Lord delivered him from all his troubles because Jacob's trust was on the God of Abraham and Isaac.Firstly God changed his nature of deceiving others. Then He changed his old name into a new name - Israel.Genesis 32:26-28 - And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.The meaning of Israel is Prince of God. His life of struggle was changed into a life of a warrior.
Be blessed!