Jacob’s journey of faith and transformation is a call to discover the power of God’s presence and guidance in your life. Reflect and apply to your own journey.

» Sunday, 15th January 2023 | I Stand In The Gap Daily Devotional | A Journey of Faith and Transformation

Yesterday, we shared on the theme of “forgiveness, redemption, and transformation!”

The daily devotional verse of today is about Jacob’s journey of faith and transformation. It says: 

“Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”

Genesis 28:15 

Here God is speaking to Jacob as he is leaving his family and embarking on a journey. It emphasizes the promise of God’s guidance and presence throughout Jacob’s journey and the assurance of his protection, provision, and of fulfilling his promise. It also highlights the theme of faith and trust in God’s promise, which is essential for Jacob’s journey of faith and transformation.

Background 

Jacob, also known as Israel, is a complex figure to really understand. He’s known for his deceit, lies, and trickery. For example, in Genesis 25:29-34, Jacob deceived his brother Esau by pretending to be him in order to receive his father’s blessing and inherit his birthright.

Another example of his deceit is found in Genesis 27:1-40, where Jacob, with the help of his mother, deceived his aged father Isaac into giving him the blessing that was intended for Esau.

These acts of deception led to a long-standing feud between Jacob and Esau, and this ultimately caused Jacob to flee from his home and family.

However, despite his past, Jacob’s story is also one of transformation, repentance, and growth in faith. Through his struggles and encounters with God, he ultimately becomes a man of faith and is renamed Israel, meaning “he who struggles with God.”

  • In the end, Jacob’s story is a reminder that despite our mistakes and sins, God is always willing to forgive us, redeem us, and transform us.
  • It also reminds us of the importance of repentance and the need to confess and turn away from our sins.

Reflection on the theme of the journey of faith:

  • It reminds us that God is always with us and that we can trust in his promises, even when we’re going through difficult and challenging times. 
  • It also reminds us that God’s promises are always fulfilled and that he always has a plan for us.
  • That the journey of becoming holy starts with the sinner taking steps, and wrestling with God for his blessings and salvation.
  • You don’t have to wait till you’re clean, on your own terms, before seeking God. Come to him as you’re. 
  • This verse is a great reminder for us that we’re not alone in our journeys of faith and transformation and that God is always our greatest companion, guiding us and fulfilling his promises in our lives. 

Similar verses:

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

It emphasizes the promise of God’s presence and guidance!

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41:10

Places an emphasis on the promise of God’s presence, strength, and help in times of fear and uncertainty. 

…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Matthew 28:20

Jesus, emphasizes the promise of God’s presence with us always, by highlighting the importance of obeying God’s commands and teachings.

Let’s pray:

Our Father,

We come to you today, meditating on the truth found in Genesis 28:15, where you made that solemn promise to Jacob. 

We thank you for the reminder, that like Jacob, we too are on a journey of faith and transformation. We thank you for the promise of your presence and guidance throughout our journey of life, and for your promise to keep us and bring us back to the land you have promised.

As we reflect on Jacob’s journey, we ask that you help us to understand the depth of your love for us, and to trust in your promises. Give us the wisdom to discern your will for our lives, and the courage to follow it, even when it is difficult.

We pray for the strength to resist the temptations of this world, and to live in a way that reflects your light within us. We pray for our hearts to be open to your leading and guidance.

We also pray for the grace and strength to confess and turn away from any sins in our lives, and to trust in your forgiveness and total divine redemption.

We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.