“…for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee” (Genesis 31:12c)
Jacob had fled to his mother’s brother, Laban, when Esau had sworn to kill him. While at Laban’s house, Jacob served him for fourteen years for his wives and six years for his cattle, etc.
However, in Genesis 31:7, Jacob related to his two wives how their father, Laban, had changed his wages ten times. But every time Laban changed Jacob’s wages, God blessed Jacob more and more, while Laban lost more and more.
There are three statements that you need to focus on in this story to encourage you when you know you are following God; but there are those around you that are misusing you, and have tried to destroy you.
(Verse 5b) “…but the God of my father hath been with me.”
(Verse 7b) “…but God suffered him not to hurt me.”
(Verse 12d) “…for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.”
All three of these statements from God prove God’s omnipresence (with you at all times); His omnipotence (all power to protect you); and His omniscience (all knowledge of what is happening in your life).
You can rest assured that God will carry out His responsibility as your God. Then you also must carry out your responsibility to do as Jacob did:
“And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.” (Genesis 31:6)
The principle is very plain here. For example, it is the Christian’s duty to carry out his assigned job description in his work place. He is to do it with all his power and intellect and talents; regardless of other’s plans of deception, etc. God is watching it all; He has good for you and will bless you for your faithfulness to truth.
It is the same in a marriage. The husband and wife are to carry out their positions as outlined in God’s Word; no matter the other’s behavior. In fact, this principle is carried out by God in every aspect of the Christian’s life.
This story of Jacob and God’s words to him; and the fact that God had actually blessed Jacob physically and spiritually based upon God’s Sovereignty and Jacob’s obedience; should encourage every saint of God to know that God is on your side. To know that you are not alone; but God is fighting your battles with an unseen hand to the evildoers. All Laban could see was that his herd (his wealth) was decreasing; and Jacob’s herd was increasing.
The world hates God’s blessings on His Children. They don’t understand how, in the midst of their well-laid plans to hurt God’s people, that instead they are the ones who get hurt. This causes intense hatred by the world on God’s Blessed People. They are jealous and covetous toward God’s People. (See Genesis 31:1-2.)
However you, as an obedient Child of God, need not fear when you know you have followed God’s Word and you feel the hatred of the world; for it is God who is fighting your battle. You need to stand still and see the Salvation (preservation) of the Lord.
“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.” (Exodus 14:13)
“The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.” (Exodus 14:14)
Child of God, follow the Lord, no matter the outward circumstances; for God’s Presence, Protection, Provision, and Power are working for you at all times. (Read Jacob’s story and Joseph’s story.) Be encouraged today; don’t look at Laban’s tricks and deceptions. But look at God, and be still, and see the Salvation of the Lord. God will not, nor can He, fail you – for our Victory is in Christ.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4)
In Christ’s Resurrection; proof has been given that Christ defeated Satan, spiritual death, and all enemies. When you were raised from spiritual death and sealed by the Spirit of God; you also have proof that you are in Christ’s Victory. Now you walk in the “newness of life” (Romans 6:4). You are now His Temple. And you are walking in His Power; in His Perception; in His Perfection; and in His Preeminence (Romans 8:9-16; Philippians 4:13; 19; John 17:21-24).
Your theme song is not “defeat” – but “Victory in Jesus.”
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