This morning, at about 4:00 AM, I felt God summoning me to seek His word. He knew I needed some spiritual renewal in the midst of all that’s going on.
Yesterday, mom had another breast cancer-related surgery that, thankfully, God brought her through successfully. Afterward, the doctors told us we had to wait for specific test results pertaining to mom’s condition. Although our family was hoping to know something right away, we had to accept that it wouldn’t be one of those instant-gratification-moments we all love so much.
As you might imagine, we have been earnestly praying for good news.
Well, as God beckoned me, I had no idea what He wanted to say. But I was more than ready to hear and receive it. So when I stilled myself in His presence, while everyone else slept quietly, the Lord led me to Genesis 31. It tells the story of Jacob when he was on the run from his Father-In-Law, Laban.
I won’t post the lengthy background story found in Genesis 29-30. I’ll just say Laban took advantage of Jacob. But God took care of his faithful servant by favoring him even in unfavorable circumstances. The Lord greatly increased, multiplied, and prospered Jacob.
Finally, when the Angel of the Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream (Genesis 31:11-13) and told him to leave Laban, and return to his family, Jacob had no idea how things would turn out.
As Genesis 27 tells us, Jacob, a former trickster, who had stolen his brother Esau’s birthright, didn’t exactly leave under the best conditions. There was indeed a good possibility that things would turn out very poorly. Still, Jacob obeyed and fled from Laban’s house.
Had Jacob allowed fear to paralyze him, he wouldn't have left. Nor would he have become Israel, the father of the 12 tribes from which God erected a mighty nation. He would have never experienced that beautiful reunion with his estranged brother in Genesis 33, where the two met up, embraced, wept, and let bygones be bygones.
Jacob didn’t know the future, but God did.
Because He trusted God, though the road was not easy, everything worked out for his good in the end.
“Oh, I see,” I whispered and smiled as God illuminated the timely Bible lesson. He was speaking to my spirit through His word, which brought peace, comfort, and rest to my soul.
So today, I simply want to share the cup of inspiration the Lord prepared for me early this morning. He poured “fear of the future” out of my cup and refilled it with “faith for the future.” As you partake of what I've been drinking all morning long, let it remind you that, although we don’t know what the future holds, God, who is Alpha and Omega, undoubtedly holds our future in His hands!
And as long as He’s in control, everything is under control. Amen?
**Update: I have a PRAISE REPORT to share. Mom just called me about 5 minutes ago. The pathology report JUST came back and the doctors' worries were unfounded! They didn't find ANYTHING but healthy breast tissue. Glory to God! Now I see how God was preparing me for this good news at 4AM. He is SO faithful!**
Lord, uncertainty always feels uncomfortable and intimidating, but I know there is no way of knowing the future. So today, I appreciate You reminding me that knowing the future is not nearly as important as knowing You, the one who knows the end from the beginning. So Father, I thank You right now for replacing fear with faith. Thank You for speaking to me through Your word and giving me revelation tailor-made for my situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading. And until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and inspire you.
