What past experiences remind you of God's faithfulness, as seen in Genesis 35:3? The Setting: Jacob’s Testimony of Faithfulness Genesis 35:3: “Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” Snapshots of Divine Faithfulness in Jacob’s Life • Flight from Esau—God appeared at Bethel (Genesis 28:10-22) • Years under Laban—“God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me” (Genesis 31:9) • Pursuit by Laban—“The God of your father spoke to me last night” (Genesis 31:29) • Dread of Esau—angels camped around him at Mahanaim (Genesis 32:1-2) and the wrestling, life-changing encounter at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-30) • Safe return to Canaan—Esau embraced him in peace (Genesis 33:4) Tracing God’s Hand in Your Own Story Remembered moments that parallel Jacob’s words “answered me… been with me wherever I have gone”: • Deliverance out of danger or crisis—Psalm 34:4 “I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” • Provision in lack—Phil 4:19 “My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” • Guidance when the path was unclear—Pro 3:5-6 “He will make your paths straight.” • Comfort in grief—2 Cor 1:3-4 “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation.” • Forgiveness after failure—1 John 1:9 “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Sustained presence through seasons—Heb 13:5 “I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Mile-Markers That Spark Remembrance • Specific prayers He answered against all odds • Unexpected doors He opened—jobs, relationships, ministry opportunities • Medical reports reversed or health restored • Financial needs met precisely in time • Inner peace granted amid external turmoil • Strength to endure trials that once seemed unbearable Responding Like Jacob: Worship and Witness • Build your “altar” today—set apart intentional time or a tangible journal entry to acknowledge what God has done. • Tell the story—share with family, friends, and fellow believers so future generations remember, echoing 1 Samuel 7:12 “Thus far the LORD has helped us.” • Live with renewed trust—past faithfulness fuels present obedience; Lamentations 3:22-23 anchors today in yesterday’s mercies: “Great is Your faithfulness!” |
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