When It's Time To Go

Nov. 11

Read: Genesis 31

Stuck in a Crummy Job? Part 5

Why do we hang around at crummy jobs for so long? What is it that keeps a person “stuck”? Is it fear? Is it laziness? Have we been taught that it is somehow more “Christian” or noble just to hang around?

God will not leave his people “stuck” in crummy jobs forever. He is working to make a way forward for his children. All of us will have seasons where God calls us to endure… to persevere… to suffer and bare weight… but he does not leave us stranded there. Jacob is a prime example. For 20 years Jacob labored for Laban. For 20 years Laban took advantage of Jacob in one way or another. Jacob remained there until the Lord told him to go! Jacob’s years with Laban can teach us a lot. Here is our last one:

God will let you know when it is time to leave. He has not forgotten about you:

“Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you…Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob,’ and I said, ‘Here I am!’ And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.” (v.3,11,12)

When it is time for you to go, the Lord will let you know. He has not forgotten about you and he is not going to leave you hanging. After 20 years of toiling for Laban, the Lord had grown Jacob through the process, and blessed him with wives and livestock. When it was time to go, it was time to go. The Lord showed this to Jacob through a dream as well as through the affirmation that came through Leah and Rachel. (v.3,11,12,14-16) One thing I do appreciate about Jacob is the apparent speed with which he listened to God. It seems as though it was pretty immediate… he did not waste time but hopped into action. When God has called you to move… when he is calling you “back home”… don’t linger! Don’t waste time.

The Lord often uses a combination of the people in our lives and both supernatural direction to let his children know when it is time to move. It is no small thing to move on after 20 years. This is not something to be taken lightly. The Lord knew this which is part of the reason he made sure to affirm to Jacob that he was indeed by his side. It truly does take something beyond ourselves to motivate us to “move”… especially when we have been someplace for a long time.

So In the meantime… work hard and labor as unto the Lord. And remember:

God never rewards jealously or deception.

The People of God are frequently scapegoats.

Be careful for crooked motives dressed up as noble causes.

The people of God can take a hit/ loss because the Lord has our back.

God has not forgotten you … and he will tell you when it is time to go.

When he calls you to move, don’t waste time… be quick to go where God is calling.

Love you guys. -JDP