Its Unpleasant, But You Were Created To Stand It All
Genesis 29:1-30
Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east. 2 And he looked, and behold a well in the field, and, lo, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks: and a great stone was upon the well's mouth. 3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well's mouth in his place. 4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we. 5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. 6 And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep. 7 And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them. 8 And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we water the sheep.
9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep: for she kept them. 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. 11 And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father. 13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings [1] of Jacob his sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. 14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space [2] of a month
Although you find yourselves in hard places, don't allow people to make you think that with your great skills and abilities you will not have to endure unpleasant environments, people or experiences. Your skills are not why you are where you are. But they will help you get to where God wants to take you. Jacob had no idea that things would turn out the way that they did. He had even negotiated a contract and still didn't get the things as he thought he should. It actually got downright ugly and awkward. The environment wasn't what we would recommend for any normal human. In fact any psychologist would say to get out of that toxic situation. But when you are on an assignment for God and you want to please Him, you don't do what you think is best for you, even though it looks like all hell is breaking loose. You call on Him for further instruction or direction in the matter. The circumstances doesn't look good at all and after all you are well qualified, perhaps over qualified for this job. And your experiences are far too many to count in this area of expertise. Sometimes you may have to endure places that others won't even go. And it's not because you are not smart or it is not because you haven't been equipped. But it is because you are willing to wait on God's promises there in an unpleasant place and you understand that you are created to stand it all.
Some of you are experiencing very hard places. But hold on to your position that you have right now. Try not to get weary or distracted. I know it's unpleasant, the stench, the residue of filth and grime; a hard place. Know that God has strategically placed you where you are and it has nothing to do with what you know. Let me encourage you for remaining in the position that you are in right now. You are actually very smart. Least you get the big head. It still has nothing to do with you. Jacob served 7 + 7 years and then gave more. And when he got the woman he desired, she couldn't bare children. He watched the woman that he didn't desire have four sons. And his wife had zero. But God You said to go to this place and You said to do this thing. And it is not working or coming together at all. Have I missed you? You want to throw in the towel. You can't take this anymore. You quit.
You have all of this unpleasantness.
You are standing back watching someone seemingly do the things that you thought were for you. They seem to be riding on cloud nine. And it looks like your stuff that they are carrying with them. But don't be deceived. The enemy wants you to think that he has taken your stuff or idea or your job or position. It's unpleasant, but you were created to stand it all. Satan has no power, he can only mock you or copy what he sees. And he can never have dominion over you. He has to submit to the "Master", God who works through you, who gives you power, knowledge and wisdom in places and things that Satan will never understand. The Word of God says that He will show you things that they'd wish to see or reveal mysteries that only He can unfold. They might pull out policy and procedures or customs and traditions that they only follow in that unpleasant place. This is how we do things around here and you have to follow the rules. But just hold on because your enemy will see that if it had not been for you, some of the blessings that they are experiencing would not be. They will even ask you to stay, because they know now that they are being blessed because of your relationship with God. They will offer you top pay and accommodations as well to be around so that they can continue to see the hand of God keep them afloat. But you obey the voice of God and take only as He has instructed. Yeah it's still unpleasant, but you were created to stand it all. He is still Great and Mighty and the plans that He has for your future are immeasurable. You can't even imagine.
There will be naysayers, accusers and those who blame and say that you don't deserve it. And that it's not yours to even take. But because you obeyed and stayed in those decaying places of unpleasantness God will reward you greatly.
But God ! . . . . . . .
He sees where you are and the people that you are having to deal with, (foul characters) don't worry; you will get what God has promised you, plus some.
(Endure)
What do you want?
Then why act in desperation, as if there is no Provision. Hold on and keep your eye on The Redeemer, Provider, The Rich Ruler, Awesome God, Faithful Father who always takes care of His Daughter and His Grandchildren.
Fret not yourselves because of evil, for it will be soon be cut off. And you will be in a place and wondering, "How I got over? ) Rejoice there is an Outstretched Hand that is Able to exceedingly above all that we can ask or think!
Yes God !!