E100- Reading: Genesis 32:1-33:20

Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac—O Lord, you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.’ I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant…
Genesis 32:9-10

The messages of the story of Jacob and Esau are many, but the one that shines through, is the story of Jacob’s transformation.  Jacob left his homeland empty-handed; a deceiver; a man whose life was ruled by his fears, and later returned home, a man of humility with all its rewards.

 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Proverbs 22:4

There is an old saying which states, “what goes around comes around;” Jacob discovered that what you do in life is like a seed and it will bring a harvest. (Genesis 29)

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Galatians 6:7

Jacob learned that his family’s dysfunction wasn’t just what mom, dad and brother did, but what he did as well; as he saw his own dysfunction play out in his family’s strife. But Jacob had an encounter with God, and as a result, he made some life changing decisions about the way he would live his life.

• A man, who once deceived others to get ahead, became a man of integrity, keeping his word even when he was in-turn deceived by others.

 If you are good, you are guided by honesty. People who can’t be trusted are destroyed by their own dishonesty.
Proverbs 11:3

• He became a man who sought out God’s wisdom
  to win in life, no longer relying on deceitful schemes to win.

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding.
Proverbs 3:13

• He became a man who worked hard to be at peace with all men.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
Romans 12:17-18   

• He became a man who relinquished his need to be in control as he surrendered his life to God’s control.

 A man’s pride will bring him low, but he who is of a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 29:23

• He became a man of humility not relying on his own understanding, as he chose to trust in God.

Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding. Remember the Lord in all you do, and he will give you success.
Proverbs 3:5-6

But more than anything Jacob discovered God’s unfailing love that can heal and transform our lives from the inside out.  As you continue on your journey this day, allow God’s unfailing love to transform you into the person of destiny you were created to be!