Where is Your Hope?

Where is Your Hope?

Genesis 30:25-31:16

Don’t lose hope; God is faithful.

There is hope when we feel trapped. (30:25-34)

There is hope when we face difficult circumstances. (30:35-43)

There is hope when we encounter challenging people. (31:1-16)

For the Next Lesson – Genesis 30:25-31:16

1. Read verses 30:25-34. As you consider the years Jacob has spent with his Uncle Laban (see Genesis 29:1-30), why did Jacob want to leave? What wages did he propose to Laban? How did Laban respond, and why? According to both Laban (vs. 27) and Jacob (vs. 30), why did Laban’s flocks and riches increase? When you are blessed in life, do you consistently remember where your blessings come from? According to James 1:17, what is the source of every good thing? Why is this important to remember? Take a few moments to consider and list the many good things in your life. Make sure to pause, pray and give the credit to God.

2. Read verses 30:35-43. What did Laban do to make sure Jacob would walk away with a very small herd? What was Jacob’s solution to Laban’s deception? Does Jacob’s plan make sense to you? Why or why not? How did it turn out, and why do you think this worked so well?

3. Read verses 31:1-16. What did God tell Jacob to do? How do these verses describe God’s involvement in all that happened to Jacob, Laban and the flocks? What do these verses teach us about God and his relationship with Jacob? So, who was responsible for Jacob’s success? Why is this important to recognize?

4. So what. Take a minute or two to think about and write down several successes in your life? When you succeeded at these things, who typically got the credit? You, or God? How so? Why are we tempted to take the credit for success in our lives? What can we do to grow in giving God the credit for the good things and successes in our live? How can you personally grow in this area? If you did grow in this area, how do you think it would affect your life? How do you think it would affect your relationship with God?