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Genesis 29:30

God takes time to shape His people

When Jacob’s mother sent him away, she told him he would stay in Haran for "stay for a while" (27:44). Jacob did not expect an intensive twenty-year training period, but that is exactly what happened. During fourteen of those years, he earned nothing but food, shelter, and two wives, one of whom he did not even want. Yet, God seemed in no rush to propel Jacob into His plan to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants.

God always takes the time He deems necessary to train His servants. Joseph spent twenty years in an Egyptian prison. Israel spent 400 years in slavery in Egypt. Moses spent forty years tending sheep in the wilderness and another forty in the desert with a stubborn nation. David spent twenty years fleeing from King Saul, the madman. Even the apostle Paul spent about ten years in obscurity after his conversion before his ministry began to flourish. God has an eternal perspective. His training does not consist of nine-week courses. It takes a long journey to shape His people into the image of Jesus Christ.

In His grace, God uses circumstances, consequences, and difficult people over time to shape His people.

Plan to persevere for the long haul. Christianity is not a 100-meter run; it is a marathon. Many people want instant answers to their problems, and when they do not find them, they give up and look for another solution. It requires living a life of discipline.

Instead of complaining because God does not give you what you want, be thankful that He does not give you what you deserve! With love and grace, He uses the circumstances of your life, the consequences of sin, and difficult people, in the long run, "but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness" (Hebrews 12:10). It may be like military training, but it is far better than living apart from His promises of grace in Christ!