BE GRATEFUL FOR HARD THINGS, BECAUSE GOD IS WORKING TO MOLD AND SHAPE OUR HEARTS. (Genesis 29:1-30)
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SERMON NOTES:
Grateful for Hard Things
Genesis 29:1-30
Be grateful for hard things, because God is working to mold and shape our hearts.
Jacob’s journey of anticipation. (1-9)
Reunion, negotiation and expectation. (10-20)
Deception, heartache and more work. (21-30)
God is at work in your life!
- People.
- Circumstances.
- Consequences.
- Time.
Are you grateful for the hard things in your life?
Do you trust God to work through the hard things?
Do you value the work of God in you more than your comfort?
study questions:
For the Next Lesson – Genesis 29:1-30
1. Read verses 1-9. How would you summarize what happened in these verses? Do you think it was a coincidence or God’s providence (hidden work of God accomplishing His purposes for our good and His glory) that Rachel showed up just when Jacob was at the well? How so? Do you tend to see circumstances in your life as more coincidence or God’s providence? Why? What prevents you from seeing God’s providence in your life?
2. Read verses 10-14. How would you describe the meeting of Jacob with Rachel and Laban? Why do you think they were so excited? How can this family reunion provide an example for how we should treat each other in God’s family?
3. Read verses 15-30. What did Jacob say to Laban in verse 25? What was Laban’s excuse for deceiving Jacob? How do you think Jacob felt at that moment? Do you think Jacob thought back to his manipulation of his brother Esau to steal his inheritance (Genesis 25:29-34), or his deception to steal Esau’s blessing (Genesis 27:1-41)? Why or why not? Do you believe God used this deception of Jacob as divine discipline and sanctification? Why or why not? How does God use circumstances in your life to discipline, teach and sanctify you? What is one specific way God has done this in your life?
4. So what. Read Galatians 6:7-10. How can you summarize in one phrase or sentence the main point of these verses? How have you seen this to be true in your life and in the lives of others? How does God use this reality of reaping what we sow to shape and mold our lives? What can you do to better embrace God’s providence in your life as God molds and shapes your heart?