Dare to Dream Again
Genesis 30:25-26
After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so that I can return to my homeland. Give me my wives and my children that I have worked for, and let me go. You know how hard I have worked for you.”
Now that Rachel had finally bore a son, Jacob sought to leave Laban. He greatly desired to return to his own homeland. No doubt, he was tired of Laban’s scheming and manipulation. Perhaps, he even wanted to raise his favored new son in a different environment – away from Laban’s influence. With both wives supposedly happy, he might have a chance to create a new life in his own homeland and completely separate from his uncle/father-in-law’s household. In any event, something about Joseph’s birth urged him to make a move toward independence from Laban.
Jacob bargained with Laban initially because he wanted something from him – Rachel. Laban wanted something from Jacob, too. He wanted financial blessing, and he saw it in Jacob. The two cooperated as long as they wanted something from each other. Once Jacob had all he wanted from Laban, he was ready to move. Their relationship is a perfect example of how the world operates and our relationship with it. Playing worldly games and bargaining with the Devil may get you more than you want, and he is never ready nor willing to let you out of his control.
Are you ready for a new chapter in your life? Has the Devil obligated you to commitments you no longer feel the need to fulfill? Have you paid a high price already and desire a greater promise God has for you? Jacob had an outwardly comfortable place with Laban forever if he chose to remain there. An inward longing, however, drove him to search for more. If you find your inward longing becoming greater than your outward comfort, it may be time for you to step out in faith and make a move toward a promise. Pray for specific direction, and look for open doors. Ask God for new opportunities, and watch to see what He provides. Even seemingly small doors may lead to surprising places. If God has set such a longing in your heart, no amount of compromise with the world will satisfy it. Sooner or later, you will need to go. Dare to dream again, and begin to move toward your dream.
Have a blessed day!