Art of the Deal
Read This Week: Genesis 30
After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can go back to my own homeland. Give me my wives and children, for whom I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know how much work I’ve done for you.” But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” He added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.” – Genesis 30:25-28 NIV
Genesis 30 unfolds a compelling storyline within the broader context of Jacob’s journey. In this chapter, we witness a fascinating interplay of human effort, God’s sovereignty and intervention, as well as the complexities of relationships. As we delve into the details, we discover valuable insights that resonate with the struggles and challenges we face in our own lives. At the outset, we find Jacob negotiating with his father-in-law, Laban. Having served him for an extended period, Jacob expresses his desire to return to his homeland. This desired flight sets the stage for a strategic agreement, highlighting the importance of planning and negotiation in facing life’s uncertainties.
Jacob proposes a rather unconventional deal, suggesting that Laban keep all the plain-colored sheep while Jacob takes the striped and spotted ones. This seemingly peculiar arrangement indicates the importance of creative problem-solving and resourcefulness when navigating challenges. But we also witness divine intervention as God blesses Jacob’s efforts amid these challenges. The imagery of the striped and spotted sheep thriving under Jacob’s care speaks to the idea that, even in our struggles, there is potential for growth and prosperity through faith and perseverance. It shows that God gives us the opportunity and responsibility to use our intellect and human faculties in situations. Still, in His grace, He guides us through the Holy Spirit.
This passage also emphasizes Jacob’s dedication to his work, tending to Laban’s flock with unwavering diligence. His steadfastness and diligence underscore the importance of commitment and hard work in overcoming obstacles, even when faced with unfavorable circumstances. We can trust God with all situations in life while also tending to what we are entrusted to and honoring the Lord with our effort and work.
In the last several weeks, we have seen that the relationships within Jacob’s family are complex, marked by jealousy and competition. This week is more of the same, mirroring the issues many face in their own families and exemplifying the need for communication, empathy, and conflict resolution to navigate intricate family dynamics. It also illustrates the need to call on God for help when these scenarios are present and confronting us. We can always rely on our own instincts and negotiating and intellectual skills, but there is a limit to our capacity for which we need God’s help. The art of the deal is always to be accompanied by prayer and the implementation of heavenly wisdom.
Overall, Genesis 30 provides lessons that remain relevant to our contemporary lives. Whether it’s the art of negotiation, creative problem-solving, relying on the Holy Spirit to help us, or walking through hard relationships, Jacob’s journey offers a myriad of lessons and things we can apply on a daily basis. As we face our own struggles, may we draw inspiration from Jacob’s story and find solace in the belief that, with faith, dedication, and perseverance, we too can navigate the challenges that life presents.
Genesis 30
God focused my attention on verses 31-33:
31 “What shall I give you?” he asked. “Don’t give me anything,” Jacob replied. “But if you will do this one thing for me, I will go on tending your flocks and watching over them: 32 Let me go through all your flocks today and remove from them every speckled or spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb and every spotted or speckled goat. They will be my wages. 33 And my honesty will testify for me in the future, whenever you check on the wages you have paid me. Any goat in my possession that is not speckled or spotted, or any lamb that is not dark-colored, will be considered stolen.”
What God said to me about this is:
“Be vigilant as to not be take advantage of in this world. There are people that will wrongly say they know Me and will keep you under their boot. Be optimistic, work hard, and see the best in people, but it is important that you are not fooled. Let Me guide you through these challenges and you will navigate these waters effortlessly.”
With Jacob being strung along by Laban but maintaining his integrity is an important lesson. Laban would only ever give Jacob enough to survive but never thrive, which keeps him under Laban’s boot. That level of control is worldly, not Godly. It is up to us to speak with God and ensure that we are not being strung along like Jacob and rather focus on how to best thrive with God.
Genesis Chapter 30 Verse 1
When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister, and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I will die!
Genesis Chapter 30 Verse 2
And Jacob became very angry with Rachel and he said, Am I in God’s stead, Who has denied you children?
~Jealousy~
God Is Saying To Me:
Sibling rivalry existed many years ago and it still exists today. Jealousy is a powerful deterrent that keeps us away from the peace and love of God. Jealousy causes strife and dissension between the family unit or in any situation for that matter. Jealousy separates us from the complete wisdom of God. We must focus our sights on God rather than other people or situations. God’s promises for us will be fulfilled at the time deemed by Him. Our blessings come from God, not from others or the world.
What This Means To Me:
Setting our sites on greed and jealousy is not Godly! When we place our desires in what man can accomplish, we are disillusioned. God is the only entity that can complete His plans in our life and fulfill our desires and dreams. We must seek Him, His wisdom for us and not compare the ‘halves and the have nots’. God already knows our situations and will respond to our desires accordingly. Strive to be pleasing unto God and not unto man. God fulfills our needs and not our desires of lust! Thank you God that you alone are enough for us and that we don’t have to place our dreams and desires in the hands of others. ❤️
Have any of you ever encountered disagreements, conflicts, or challenges within your family? Whether with parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, or children, I believe many of us would affirmatively nod our heads in agreement.
In my journey, embracing a life enriched by God’s love, grace, mercy, and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, I’ve learned that disputes among loved ones are not uncommon. The bonds we share with our family are profound, and because of this deep connection, every concern feels magnified.
Life, in its essence, is complex and untidy. As beings crafted in the image of God yet marked by human frailty, our emotions can quickly lead us astray, transforming minor issues into significant rifts within our relationships.
Yet, amidst these trials, we find solace in the eternal truth that God is love. It is His unwavering love that navigates us through turbulent times, empowering us to extend grace and mercy towards one another.
In my personal walk with the Lord, I strive to approach conflicts with a heart of understanding, endeavoring not to escalate minor disagreements into insurmountable barriers. My aspiration is to be a beacon of God’s love, encouraging others to embody His love, grace, and mercy in their interactions.
Embracing God’s love and allowing it to overflow into our relationships is transformative. It not only facilitates reconciliation but aligns our lives with His divine purpose. In doing so, we contribute to the fulfillment of God’s plan for us and for those we hold dear.
To summarize:
1. Navigating relationships can be challenging, especially when imperfections and emotions come into play.
2. In these moments, the love, grace, and mercy bestowed upon us by God are instrumental.
3. By living a life anchored in God’s love, both for Him and for others, and by demonstrating grace and mercy, we open ourselves to the fulfillment of God’s divine plan in our lives and in the lives of our loved ones.
This week in Genesis chapter 30 I got a song
Praise
We praise you we praise you we are praising you our Lord we want to follow you follow you your spirit lives in it when we are going through chaos. Storms things seem so difficult we have you we have you to talk to. We are blessed because we have you Our pastors our church. We thank you thank you you’re our foundation our faith. Love you give us hope. We are blessed because of you. We praise you praise you. We are praising you our Lord. Amen.
We all have things that we go through sometimes they are difficult, and sometimes we try to do it ourselves , but by the grace of God, we are forgiven and loved.
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This Week in the Life: Genesis 30
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Genesis 30:1 When Rachel saw that she conceived no children for Jacob, she envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I will die.”
Do you ever feel like your going to die in your situation or you want to because it’s to difficult!
It’s hard to have to wait for something you know in your heart you want right now or you want something to happen in a relationship your in right now that has gotten messy, or it’s not going good,
It’s easy to get upset, you feel like no one understands but God knows, He cares about you and you’re situation, it may seem like it’s not easy, but it’s important to know you can walk with God in everything , every situation, so we don’t make a mess and then you have to go back and make it right but if we do God works it all out eventually ,if we’re doing it with Him!
God is saying
I know you’re heart, I know when you get in a place where it’s not good for you and for others so stay close to me, I will help you, walk with you because I understand where you’re coming from, I know you’re heart, so let’s walk together through the process, it”s important to listen to My instructions, so
Keep your eyes on Me and My ways and your heart!
Because I love you it’s you and Me, Me and you forever and ever!
Awe thank you Father God, Jesus and Your Holy Spirit❤️️
When I feel like a situation is so hard,
I don’t feel good about it, I’m coming to You to get what I need and to help me through
I love you
This is what I got from God in Genesis 30. You need to stop looking to how I deal with others and set your eyes on Me. Rachel gave Bilah, her servant, to Jacob and she had a son for Jacob and Rachel, named Dan. Rachel felt the birth of Dan was proof that I had heard her complaint about not having children and I answered it. The competition of having the most children between Rachel and Leah continued. Nobody was the winner of this competition. I opened Rachel’s womb and she concieved. Rachel knew I thought of her with favor and she acknowledged that I was the giver of this good gift. Jacob knew he belonged in the land I promised him. Jacob called the promised land, his country. An agreement between Jacob and Laban was made and Jacob took all the speckled and spotted sheep, lambs, and goats from Laban’s flock to go with him. I blessed Jacob and he became prosperous and had large flocks, of camels, donkey’s, and servants. Jacob did the best he knew with what he had, and I blessed it. I blessed Jacob because of the promises I made to him through the covenant. The blessings that come from me to you are not because you are great or good, but because of the covenant I made with you through Jesus, and promises I have given you in My word. Do not make wealth your goal. Work hard, and trust in Me.
What this said to me is I need to try to stop comparing myself with others and what God is doing for them. This causes envy, jealousness, and conflict. I need to be grateful for everything God is doing for me. Life is not a competition. I need to thank Him everyday for my blessings. I can’t earn God’s blessings and his love. He blesses me and loves me through Jesus. I need to stay in His word, and trust Him and His plan for me. It was a reminder God is sovereign over everything, even the opening of Rachel’s womb. .