Pursued by Troubles?

It seemed as if he were always looking over his shoulder for trouble that consistently pursued him. Minor troubles weren’t what plagued him, but major ones that threatened his very existence. Jacob’s attitude toward life was an open invitation to trouble even after God personally changed his name to Israel, which means "one who wrestled with God and prevailed."

Jacob's transformation was a progressive development. The Apostle Paul warns us "not to conform any longer to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our mind." This indicates that transformation is an on-going process and does not prevent trouble from pursuing us.

Perhaps God uses troubles we must endure to bring to the surface hidden possibilities that lie dormant within us. Oliver Wendell Holmes was fond of saying, "Troubles create a competence for managing them." It is God's will that we mature and grow strong in faith, so we can serve Him and His church in a hostile world. God gives us strength to overcome and be victorious.
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Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how his ways will really satisfy you. 
~ROMANS 12:2 The Living Bible

Major Betrayal? Major Change Required

It's impossible to complete any stage of life without offending or hurting another person. I'm not referring to a minor transgression where an apology could make things right. I’m referring to a major betrayal that scars a person for life or perhaps wounds someone by deliberate actions intended to do harm.

          Making amends is a requirement for inner peace and peace with others. God put it in the heart and mind of Jacob to make amends to his brother for shameful acts of betrayal. To have inner peace and peace with God, he had to submit to sacrificing part of his identity. God changed his name to Israel, for he had struggled with God. 

            Can you imagine the impact that changing your given name would have in every area of your life? Making amends to his brother would demand significant sacrifices, for amends are impossible without sacrifice. What you receive from that sacrifice is God's pleasure and acceptance. It is a small price to pay for such a tremendous reward.