Faith Over PerfectionSample

Read: Genesis 27:30–46; Hebrews 11:20

SOAP: Hebrews 11:20

By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.

The account of Jacob’s deception of Isaac is a hard story to read in the midst of accounts of great faith. Each member of the family played a role in the conflict, one that ultimately resulted in separation, strife, and anger. Jacob would leave in order to save his life from Esau’s threats, never seeing his mother again.

Yet even in this disappointing account, we still see God’s promise. Once again, God does not fail His people, even though they failed Him. Once again, God is the hero, coming to the aid and rescue of those He has chosen to save. 

God promised Jacob would be the one to inherit the blessing. Isaac still had faith in God’s promise, even after the deception. Isaac blessed Jacob, believing he was Esau. Isaac had faith that God would fulfill His promises to his descendants. Isaac again showed faith when he blessed Esau, even though Esau’s blessing solidified the blessing to Jacob. And, as we’ll see still, Isaac again blessed Jacob knowingly, sending him to find a wife and continue to carry out God’s promise to Abraham.

Though we will fail, God can still use us. He can use our past, no matter how broken, to bring others to Him. He can use our conflicts to become a blessing and to bring peace to shattered relationships. He can redeem and restore any failure, no matter how grievous it seems. He is in the business of restoration. He is in the business of using broken people to bring light to darkness. The failures of even the heroes of the faith are recorded so we can see the true character of God. He redeems, restores, and rebuilds even the most shattered hearts, relationships, communities, and nations. We can trust Him. We can have faith even when we fail. 

Prayer

Father God, I believe You are the God who restores. You redeem even the most broken circumstances. Lord, I repent of my sin and failure to trust You. Help me and guide me in Your truth, and restore me when I fall. Amen.