Jacob was a game changer
Have you ever been stuck in a rut? Have you been crippled by addictions, fear, or bitterness? Have you ever struggled with generational curses?
When I was a university student, I slipped into addictions for a few years, and they almost killed me. I was also stuck in depression, and I almost killed myself. To be honest with you, pain is the only force that helped me escape. Pain and the Holy Spirit, that is. The Bible says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18, NIV)
Change is never comfortable, but pain can help us change. This pandemic has caused so much pain, death, indecision, and confusion. It could be used to destroy us—or to destroy our strongholds. I choose to use the pain to break all my strongholds and to move forward. To move forward with God out of the ruts of my life and career.
friend, what will you choose today? Will you redirect the pain to change for good and God, or will you allow it to kill you?
Jacob was a game changer because he broke traditions that had driven the chosen people for generations. He grew up with a deeply-rooted tradition that allowed just one blessing in a family. The eldest son always received the blessing until Jacob changed it all: “Then Jacob called for his sons and said: ‘Gather around so I can tell you what will happen to you in days to come’...All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.” (Genesis 49:1, 28, NIV)
Don’t forget Jacob had stolen the blessing from his only brother. His last act towards his father, Isaac, was deception. Jacob had lived in exile because of his sin. He had suffered for it. The pain of his mistakes paved the way for a new tradition: to bless and prophesy over everyone. No one had to fight over one blessing. Jacob even blessed Pharaoh: “Then Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from his presence.” (Genesis 47:10, NIV)
friend, be a game changer by becoming a blessing and adding value to everyone you meet.
Because you are a miracle.