Who is Jacob’s God?
The God of the one who isn’t preferred in life by his Father or significant authority.
When the boys grew up, Esau was a skilled hunter, a man of the fields while Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. Isaac loved Esau, because he was fond of game, but Rebekah loved Jacob. (Genesis 25:28).
Jacob’s God is the one who comes to your aid in situations where you feel overlooked or unappreciated. The places where your skill set doesn’t match the demands of the role or the preference of the one in authority; where you feel invisible or dismissed because your gifts or temperament do not align with the dominant culture.
Jacob’s God is the Rebekah who sees who you are and appreciates your talents even when the world doesn’t; the God who reminds you of your distinct value and promotes the expression of your gifts.
My whole life I have suffered under a a sense of shame, convinced I had nothing of value to offer the world. But at the same time blaming the world for not appreciating who I was. I orchestrated a move to a new high school in the middle of my senior year. I knew if I could start fresh in a different school, I’d be seen by my new friends as the cool, awesome girl I was. My old friends just didn’t recognize the gem they had in me.
It was okay for a few weeks, and then I began to run into the old me, the insecure me, the me I thought I had left behind. There was grace in this discovery though, for it moved me to seek a love that never is disappointed in me, the love of God given in Jesus.
Much later in my life I woke from a sweet dream given to me by the Holy Spirit, I am sure. It was a transformative moment in my life. The Lord spoke to my spirit and told me, “Debby, you are a treasure hidden in a field. Not everyone will appreciate the value that you bring, but some will. There will be those who stumble upon the gifts you offer and will be forever grateful for you. I value you, and have made you and have placed you exactly in the right place and at the right time.”
This word from God’s heart of love has kept me over the years, especially as I have offered my writing to the world. Not everyone gets my voice, but there are those who do so I must remain faithful to God’s call on me.
The world may not appreciate your unique set of skills and temperaments, but there are Rebekahs who do. God sends you love and appreciation in the ones who value your uniqueness. Let their esteem and support be enough. Often times the preferences of authority promotes the individuals who satisfy their selfish or blind partialities.
Listen to Jacob’s God, let the whisper of love and value give you strength to believe your visibility and viability. Be bold and trust that love.
Seriously, who is your Rebekah? To whom are you Rebekah-like? I’d love to hear from you. With you on the journey, Debby
Please know, I am one who has been tremendously blessed by your gift and mentorship. I will be forever grateful for our time together and cherish the emails you send out.
kathy
Dear Kathy, You are a jewel in my crown! Love, D
Debby, you are my Rebekah today in this post. This is exactly how I feel in my life. I hope that in my commitment to remaining faithful to God despite my circumstances that I am Rebekah-like to others who are also struggling. Thank you and God bless you.
God blesses and uses you, Diana. Thanks for taking a moment and letting me know God uses me as well.
I so appreciate your vulnerability, Deb. It helps me be brave. I am almost 60 and I still feel deep shame that I am not married, not “wanted.” It is through friends like you that I hold my head up high, queen-like, knowing my God loves me, chose me, and wanted me, wants me, and will always want me.
Karen, You are brave and beautiful. Much love, D >
Debby, once again you have touched the deep places in my heart. You are gifted and a gift. Thank you.
Dear Barbara, thank you for your encouraging comment. I am grateful my story touches yours. Blessings, Debby >