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Read: Genesis 28:13-21
Listen: Genesis 28

“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the LORD will be my God.’” Genesis 28:20-21

Jacob’s deceptive ways are catching up with him. After deceiving his brother out of the birthright and blessing, Esau is out for blood. Jacob flees from Esau and settles in the land of Haran to live with his uncle Laban (Genesis 27:41-45). While on his journey to Haran, God reveals himself to Jacob and reiterates the promise originally given to his grandfather, Abraham (Genesis 28:10-15). After Jacob awakes, he makes a vow to himself—if God would provide him with favorable circumstances, then he would trust God.

In much the same way, our focus is often on our circumstances rather than on God and his character and promises. We bargain with God much like Jacob. Our trust is conditional—God must meet certain expectations or circumstances. “God, if you change my spouse, then I will…” “God, if you allow me to land that job, then I will…” Or even, “God, if you get me out of this jam, then I will…” True faith, however, is not a bargaining exercise with God. True faith implies lifting our eyes off our circumstances and directing our gaze and attention to God and his character.

TODAY: Take time to confess how you are wrestling against God’s plan instead of trusting him. Consider using this short prayer as a starting point: “God, I want you to change _________, but even if you don’t, I will continue to trust you.”