Hope for the Future

Jacob, a grabber and a deceiver, will grab every opportunity to get what he wants. He’s mentally quick to strike a bargain with anybody, including God when it’s suits his purpose. Yet Jacob is convinced he needs redemption and deliverance from impulsive, shameful behavior, so he promises to honor and serve God and give Him a tenth of his earnings.

 

Why would God take a person of such low character and promise him hope for a bright future? God’s grace is greater than our sins, so He sees far beyond the moment to what a person who has been redeemed will do to fulfill His purposes. Consider Peter, who in anger denied even knowing Jesus. 

  

It is our privilege to seize the day and realize that whatever our past has been, by God’s grace there can be a bright future for us. When to the best of our ability we commit our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ for redemption, we are no longer condemned but saved for eternity. Jacob could now go on his journey knowing God had touched him in a way he would never forget.

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 3

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s honesty in owning up to his weaknesses. He confessed to doing the things he did not want to do and being unable to follow through on what he knew was right. Yet he could declare that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more, but then question, "Shall we sin deliberately so God’s grace might more abound?” He answers, “Absolutely not."

Weaknesses exist in each person, but allowing a weakness to dominate opens the door for evil to lay siege to the heart and mind. Consider Balaam’s attitude in Numbers 22. He knew what God required from him, but allowed the desire for social prestige and financial wealth to rule his choices.

When we try to hide or deny our weaknesses, a danger exists of their influence gaining power. The Apostle Paul petitioned God to take away his thorn in the flesh, which he identified as a weakness. God said His grace was sufficient to compensate for any weakness. God assured Paul that His power was made perfect in weakness. Isn't that good news?