November 19

Stick to It

When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” (Genesis 29:25).

Scripture: Genesis 29:15-30

Song: “Overcomer”

Several years ago, I was offered my dream job overseas. A few weeks after my visa was issued, my husband and I packed our belongings and moved. When we arrived at the office, I eagerly scanned the staff list for my name, but was shocked to find I had been assigned to work in a different department! What happened to the position I had been promised?

Jacob contracted to work for seven years and in return marry the woman he loved. But he was tripped up, ripped off and deceived by his father-in-law, Laban. Jacob couldn’t waste time wallowing in anger or bitterness because the woman of his dreams was waiting. So he agreed to work another seven years to get the one he had been promised.

In life, our plans might be thwarted by miscommunication or dishonest people. When we face setbacks, we have a choice to make: We can give up, or we can jump over the hurdles and navigate the roadblocks. With God’s help, we can persevere for the love of the dream.

Gracious Father, thank You for understanding our disappointments and always making a way for us to move forward. In Jesus’ name, amen.

November 19–25.Rebecca Stuhlmiller is a conference, retreat and seminar speaker who lives in Federal Way, Washington, with her husband Jeff. Her mission in life is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus and impact their family, church, community and world for Him.