Hi my dear
Sometimes, while in the custody of another, we discover we have overstayed our welcome. Our initial response may be hurt or even anger; and that is understandable. But what if it’s God’s nudge as happened in today’s Holy Nougat?
“Then Jacob saw Laban’s face, and he noticed that his expression wasn’t the same as it was just a day or two before. Then ADONAI said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”” Genesis 31:2-3 TLV
For some of us, it might be our places of employment (especially during this pandemic); others may have experienced it with living quarters; others may have had this experience with relationships in general. Whatever the scenario, recognizing that a relationship is done and moving forward is not always easy. Not in the least. Sometimes we have to fight for our relationship. But there are times as recounted here, when we need to pronounce the benediction and move right along.
Jacob’s initial agreement with Laban was 7 years. Laban (and his girls) outsmarted Jacob and somehow the contract moved to another 7 years PLUS. And yes, rather than get Bitter, Jacob got Better; but it seems he also got a wee bit comfortable and complacent. Until he got the stink eye from Laban, it seems he’d have been content where he was. Or maybe fear of what awaited him should he return home delayed his departure. Or, he felt the need to acquire more – perhaps thinking he would be able to better establish himself when he eventually returned home. What we know for certain is that it required their displeasure around him for Jacob to realize his time with Laban was up. He was almost forced out.
My dears, if/when God allows a curtain, window, door to be painfully or uncomfortably shut; then it’s time to listen. For if it is God Who facilitated the end of the season; then God will also be with us, preparing both our exit and entrance strategy.
In Jacob’s case, God’s ‘I will be with you’ served as confirmation that it was time to go – this is a reiteration of God’s previous promise; how quickly we forget. We can choose to ask God for a confirmation of our season. I assure you – we WILL get a response.
Of course, it can also be the reverse – that we are ready and raring to cut ties (at 7 years); and God says ‘Not yet.’ That is equally important. Regardless of whether we are getting evil eyes or not. It really is about us discerning God’s season. And that comes from maintaining our relationship with God.
How are things in that department right now?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
