WISDOM ARE VIRTUES that enable us make good choices.
It’s the ability to acquire knowledge of what’s going on, the power to see critical moments, and the resolve to act as necessary.
Wisdom will always combine general knowledge with intuition, and the necessary resolve to act.
We are surrounded by so much knowledge, yet we lack it. We are all over the place trying to figure things out, but we need the wisdom to move forward.
The highest human knowledge will likely accomplish our intended goals, but God’s wisdom will always achieve the righteous goal.
The Narrative
GOD HAD RIGHTEOUS GOALS for Jacob.
He said to him, “The land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants.” (Genesis 28:13)
With this promise, Jacob went to Haran and served his uncle, Laban.
After twenty years of service, Jacob wanted to leave, but Laban begged him to stay.
Laban had noticed that he prospered because of Jacob.
Changing Lanes
LABAN OFFERED HIM WAGES, but Jacob refused.
He asked that the spotted and speckled sheep be his wages, and Laban agreed.
Jacob put poplar and almond sticks before the stronger livestock. And when they conceived, they had spotted and speckled offsprings.
He had his intended goal and became very rich. But, Laban and his sons were unhappy with the outcome.
You must understand that some relationships are for a season, while some are for a lifetime.
It was time for Jacob to move forward, and God told him to leave and return home. (Genesis 31:3)
A Sense of Perspective
ON HIS WAY, Jacob began to put things in proper perspective.
He was concerned about meeting his brother, Esau who he stole his birthright.
He sent messengers with gifts ahead of him, and they returned to tell him that Esau was coming and had four hundred men with him. (Genesis 32:6)
Jacob had a story to tell—he went alone to Haran and was returning as two companies, but his clan could not be compared to Esau’s in number.
Jacob knew what was happening, he understood that things were critical, and he was willing to act.
But he didn’t know what to do. He tried to figure things out but wasn’t sure it will work.
He had sent gifts to Esau, but Esau seemed uninterested; so, he was scared.
Jacob divided his animals into two and sent them ahead with servants.
The human perspective is like being in a submarine underwater. When you look through the window, all you see is darkness, but God’s perspective sees beyond all things.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. (Romans 8:28)
Cry for Help
JACOB PRAYED and reminded God of his promises.
“Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he comes and attacks the mother with the children and me.” (Genesis 32:11)
Jacob divided his family and animals into two. He hoped that if Esau attacked one, the other would escape.
At Jabbok River, he sent the two groups across and was left alone.
God’s wisdom is unsearchable
A MAN wrestled with Jacob all night, and at dawn, Jacob wouldn’t let go. So, he dislocated Jacob’s hip joint. (Genesis 32:26)
Jacob knew of his father’s faith. He had heard so much of his grandpa’s belief, but he needed an encounter with God.
The man blessed him and changed his name to Israel. Jacob was never the same.
God limited His power to interact with Jacob. He came in the form of a man and wrestled him.
Jacob understood this principle of God. He said, “I have met God face-to-face, and he has spared my life.” (Genesis 32:30)
Job had a similar experience; having lost everything, he had a revelation of God.
He said, “Before I knew only what I had heard of You, but now I have seen You.” (Job 42:5)
God cares about everything—the big and the small; the mountains and the valleys. Jacob walked in this framework, and God guaranteed his success.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
JACOB’S WRESTLE with God was a watershed moment. With a humble surrender and an answered prayer, he entered the next phase of his life.
The challenges you face are intended to change your life, and through them, you'll gain wisdom to move forward.
Have a great week.