Foundations Week 4, Day 2

Scripture Read:  Genesis 29 - 30:24
Title: The Deceiver is Deceived and God is Still in Control
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H.E.A.R. Entry
(H) Highlight verse::  "So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her"  Genesis 29:20

(E) Explain: The plot thickens.  The deceptions run deeper.  Jealousy and envy abound.  I continually say that this family account could easily be a soap opera and daily, we see why.  However, in all of this deception (Laban tricks Jacob into 14 years of service for two daughters in marriage, when he only had eyes for one), jealousy (Jacob loved Rachel more than Lean, but Leah gave him children), human intervention (To "get back" at her sister Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah to him father children with her and Leah gave her servant Zilpah to have children with him), God was still at work. In this hot mess of a family where bitterness and jealousy were rampant, God was able to make something good come from it.  God took four mothers and one father to establish or bring about the 12 patriarchs of Israel  Yes, God worked wonders out this chaos.

(A) Application: Humans make messes.  We/I do stupid things on a daily basis.  I like to "help" God in running my life.  The problem is, I allow sins to be present in my life and ultimately these sins affect my life and my relationships.  I do a fantastic job of tearing apart something that God has created.  I am like a child, sometimes, who likes to disassemble things, just to see how they work and my disassembling often ends up pretty bad.  Fortunately, God is patient with me and puts back together that which I tore apart.  God is in control and He knows what He is doing.  I love that God can take a disassembled mess and make a beautiful thing out of it. 

(R) Respond:  Thank you for being patient with me God.  I love that you remain faithful even when i am not.  May I live this day in a way that gives you full control of my life.  May I not meddle with what you are doing, but also may I not sit back apathetically and do nothing.  I want to be in tune with you, so I may do what you have planned for me this day.