3RD NOVEMBER

FOCUS ON THE GOAL

“So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.” (Genesis 29:20)

Jacob served Laban, his father-in-law, for seven years as bride price for Rachel, his second daughter. He patiently worked for seven years – one, two, three, four, five, six, seven! And because of his love for her, these seemed like only a few days to him.
Laban tricked Jacob by giving him the older daughter, Leah, as wife for the price of seven years. He eventually married the love of his life, Rachel, shortly after but diligently and patiently served another seven years for her, making it a total of fourteen years. This act epitomises patience, which the dictionary defines as the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems or suffering, without becoming annoyed or anxious.

Whatever hindrances come our way, we must focus on our goal to have success. Jacob exhibited a lot of wisdom in his dealings with Laban. He kept his eyes on his goal. He could not afford to be unduly angry, for he was determined to get his desire.
Patience is not the absence of action but its emphasis is more on timing. Jacob got his Rachel and at the right time. He acted wisely with the right principles and in the right way and had victory.

Jacob’s actions teach us that important goals and desires are worth working and waiting for. Let us not be deceived by media adverts on instant solutions. Many problems and desires have to be worked on patiently to achieve the desired goals. Let us not be like the man who prayed: “Lord give me patience but give it to me now.” Let us patiently focus on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

ACTION: Focus on the goals, not the groans. With God, all will be well.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me never lose focus of your ultimate purpose for my life.