Today’s scripture: Genesis 31:1- 21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
When I went to college for my undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida, I was a co-op student working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Kennedy Space Center. As I was graduating, I was offered a job to remain there. I was also offered jobs on the west coast and in other locations, all far away from where I was from, the Maryland/Washington DC area.
After going on all these interviews all over the country, I decided at the last possible minute that I really wanted to go back home. A place I had not even tried to get a job. That made no sense to me, but I was being drawn to return home. After all the hard work and the great offers elsewhere, I am going back home with no offers!
I was able to interview and obtain a job at the last possible minute, revealing to me that it was God who put the gears in reverse and had me return back home. I see where I am today, and going back home was a big part of that journey. I would not be in Indiana today if I had not returned home.
In today’s scripture, Jacob’s circumstances are not ideal. He had already cheated his brother Esau out of his inheritance. To marry Rachel, he has to jump through a lot of hoops. He is envied, but not in a good way. People became unreasonable and polarized. As time passes, he and the family know its time to head for home. Circumstances speak loudly.
God speaks to us in so many ways. Our circumstances are ways through which God can speak to us. I was chasing something, yet I was not sure what it was. So, home made the most sense. God sent me back. That was 1985. And now I find myself here in Indianapolis for over 20 years. Yes, I am feeling blessed!
Thought for the day: What are your circumstances telling you? Is God calling you back home…or forward?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.