Life
Lessons: Persistence
Genesis
31:1-33:20
SITUATION: God
commanded Jacob to return to his homeland after years of being mistreated by
his father-in-law Laban. Jacob nervously prepared for his meeting with his
brother, Esau, whom he’d wronged years ago. God turned Esau’s heart to be
reconciled with his brother.
OBSERVATION: God
led Jacob through challenging trials and tests that increased his faith. Jacob
realized that this deliverance from Esau’s anger was of God.
INSPIRATION: A
couple of weeks after I returned home [from a men’s conference where I spoke on
the topic of anger] I received this letter
from a man named Harold Staub.
Max, Thank you so much for speaking on
forgiveness at Promise Keepers in Syracuse, NY, on June 7 and 8. I was there.
Just want you to know I went home, talked to my wife on many subjects about
forgiveness—the best two weeks of my life. You see, she went home to be with
the Lord on June 24, totally forgiven. How wonderful is his love. Thank you so
very much.
When we called Harold to ask his
permission to print his letter, he shared the touching details of his final
days with his wife. He didn’t know she was near death, nor did she. He did
know, however, that some unresolved issues lay between them. Upon arriving
home, he went to her, knelt before her and asked forgiveness for anything he’d
ever done. The gesture opened a floodgate of emotions and the two talked late
into the night. The initial effort at reconciliation continued for two weeks.
The marriage enjoyed a depth not yet known. When Harold’s wife died suddenly of
an embolism, he was shocked. But he was ready and now he is at peace.
What about you? Would you like some peace?
Then quit giving your neighbor such a hassle. Want to enjoy God’s generosity?
Then let others enjoy yours. Would you like assurance that God forgives you? I
think you know what you need to do. (From The
Great House of God by Max Lucado)
APPLICATION: What
keeps you from reconciling with family and friends on earth? Base your ability
to forgive on God’s reconciling you to himself through Jesus Christ. An
inability to forgive will hinder your relationship with God and others. Take
the steps that will provide you with inner peace.
EXPLORATION:
Persistence—Matthew 7:7-8; Luke 11:8; Philippians 3:12-14; Colossians 4:2
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