Tough Job

Read Genesis 31:1–7

Reflection

Work is a hard, but necessary, part of our lives. It is often our work lives that define us – we make decisions after high school about what kind of job we want and we spend time studying, training or working our way up from the bottom for a career. Throughout our lives, we might change jobs, move into full-time parenting, volunteer and, perhaps, even retrain to work in a different occupation. When we go to social events, the first question we usually answer is in relation to what we do, or did, for work.

While we are working, we also dream of not having to work! We imagine a time when we have made enough money, paid all our expenses, and can just quit and experience real freedom. Let’s face it, a job can feel like a trap. You can imagine how Jacob felt after 20 years of hard work, with his boss who was getting more difficult by the day. The relationship between Jacob and Laban was strained and Jacob was over it. So, when God said "go", Jacob was more than ready.

While you may be able to relate well to wanting to leave your job or move on to something else in life, remember that Jacob waited for God to tell him when to leave. There are reasons that God keeps us somewhere, even if it is tough, and, just as it was with Jacob, He will not allow you to be harmed while you wait. Take it all to the Lord in prayer and wait to hear Him call you on to the next thing.

Consider and Pray

Is there something that you are finding hard to stick out with? Pray for God’s protection and ask Him to speak clearly about what you should do.