One of Those Weeks

Day eighty-one

I had a really good day with my family yesterday, which is good, because this spring break has been filled with challenges and it's only Tuesday!  I am grateful for the good days and I expressed that in my prayer this morning.  I am also grateful to talk to the Lord about the challenges that we are facing, He is a good listener.  After sharing my thoughts with Him I asked for the strength to do all that I need to do to get through this rough patch and for the wisdom to see His hand in all the things in my life. I felt better just talking to Him.

Genesis 31

I think this chapter in Genesis was included just for me.  I remember reading this story as a youth and thinking I could totally relate to Jacob persevering through all that Laban put him through.  Laban manipulates the situation to meet his needs over and over again throughout the twenty years that Jacob spends working for him.  Jacob meanwhile, keeps his word and continues doing what the Lord requests of him.

I have found myself disappointed, used, and abused by others throughout my life too. However, I have not always dealt with these situations in the best manner.  I don't know how Jacob did it.  I catch myself sometimes thinking, why me?  or getting angry and letting that control my actions (never a good idea).  How did Jacob persevere so well?

He is aware of other's feelings about him. (Gen. 31:-2)
He prays and listens to the Lord. (Gen. 31:3)
He counsels with his wives. (Gen. 31:4)
He recognizes his blessings from God. (Gen. 31:5)
He presents the facts to be discussed. (Gen. 31:6-13)
He listens to the counsel of his wives. (Gen 31:14-15)
He obeys the Lord. (Gen. 31:16-18)
He is honest with those that are part of the conflict. (Gen. 31:31)
He is fair in his dealings with others (Gen. 31:32)
He stands up for himself in a positive way. (Gen. 31:36-42)
He finds a peaceful resolution. (Gen. 31:45-54)

He has definitely learned a thing or two from his father and grandfather.  They quietly go about doing their work, not dwelling on the negatives of the situation, but looking to the Lord for answers and guidance, and try to find a peaceful resolution.  I don't think it is a coincidence that the Lord has these three men deal with difficulties in the same way and that their stories are included in the scriptures.  It's that whole repetition teaching method; keep saying it until they get it.  It has taken me a while, but I think I am finally starting to get it.

Considering the week I am having, I am particularly grateful for this lesson.  I am following the pattern set by these great men and my obedience is paying off.  I am learning to see the situation through a different perspective, I am seeking the Lord's advice, and I am not letting it get to me too much. Instead of self-pity and anger, I find myself seeking a peaceful resolution, one that is fair to all parties.  Most of all I am learning to trust in the Lord more. With blessings such as these, I am even grateful for the trials as they are happening (not an easy task).

My new motto for dealing with trials:

"What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise." ~Oscar Wilde