Day 3: Though Outside Forces Attack

Scripture: Genesis 28:20-40:11

Observation:  Jacob is sent away from his home in fear of being killed by his brother.  He dwells with Laban 20 years; 7 for Leah, 7 for Rachel, 6 for flocks.  Throughout that time, Laban is deceitful towards him, his wives 'quarrel' amongst themselves, and Laban's sons want harm to come to him.  He decides to flee while he is able and is pursued by Laban.
Now, even though all these negative things are being leveled against him by others, Jacob remains faithful and obedient to God.  God chooses to abundantly bless Jacob.  He is blessed with a very large, strong and healthy flock of many types of animals.  He is given 12 sons and many daughters through his two wives as well as their two maids.  On his way back to his father's homeland, he is reconciled with Esau.  He is a man truly blessed.

We also are introduced to Joseph, one of Jacob and Rachel's sons.  At 17 years he is sold by his brothers into slavery because they hate him due to the favoritism shown him by their father.  Joseph ends up in Egypt as a slave to the Pharoah's Captain of the Guard.  While in slavery, Joseph shows his hard work ethic and skills.  God chooses to bless him and he placed in charge of Potipher's household.
While in this position, Potipher's wife tries to seduce him.  He knows he shouldn't and avoids her.  However, one day he is unsuccessful and ends up in a confrontation with her.  He runs away but loses his garment in the process.  This is turned against him and he ends up in prison.

Application:  Even though both Jacob and Joseph were persecuted by others, family to boot!, they were obedient to God.  They still did what was required of them and did it well.  They also had proper attitudes while undergoing their persecutions.  Because of their faithfulness God blessed them abundantly.  Their trials and hardships didn't disappear, on the contrary, they seemed to become more frequent and more difficult.  Jacob is told by his sons that Joseph was mauled, Joseph lands in prison.

Prayer:  I pray that no matter what trials I face or what things people may do to try and harm me, that I will continue to be obedient to God and faithful to Him.  That I will remain diligent in doing good and with the proper attitude so that I am able to receive God's blessings that He has for me.