The Cost of Answering God’s Call

Genesis 31-33; Luke 13 

“Then the Lord said to Jacob, ‘Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.’”

Genesis 31:3

This simple command from God to Jacob required faith-filled obedience. Jacob became fearful after he mishandled his departure from both his father-in-law Laban and his brother Esau. In fear, Jacob fled and found himself wrestling with God all night at the Jabbok River. The cost of obeying the command to return home was great. God didn’t make clear the method or ways in which Jacob was to follow this command. Rather, the command exposed Jacob’s heart and provided a new opportunity to wrestle with God.

Where has God called us to costly obedience, leaving the “how” up to us?

Where have we seen our fears and the issues of our hearts revealed, even as we said “yes” to the call of God?

Jacob returned to the place where he had promised God he would worship and serve him, should God bring him back there again. The altar of sacrifice and prayer he called El Elohe Israel, mighty is the God of Israel. Jacob’s name was now changed to Israel.

“Lord God, thank you for your call and the way you transform everything in my life as I answer your call. You are a mighty God!”