Go Forth in Hope

When it came time for Jacob to return to his homeland, he left under a cloud of suspicion and distrust. These were similar circumstances that forced him to leave his home twenty years earlier. Jacob never gave up his dubious character that consistently got him into trouble, for he was a schemer, destined to reach for what he wanted.

 

Jacob manipulated his father-in-law out of a large portion of his wealth, then left for home without saying goodbye. He eventually worked out an agreement for peace with his father-in-law. What gave Jacob motivation to leave his father-in-law’s home was the hope God gave him for a safe return to his home and reconciliation with his brother.

When God is at work with a person, he provides hope even in the presence of chaos, separation and sin. Hope pushes us forward and never gives up. Hope sees light in darkness and hears the still small voice of God providing expectancy and courage to make a way even when the road ahead appears barricaded.