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Jacob Bible Study – Genesis 33

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My mom had a real passion for gardening. She loved everything from vibrant flowers to fresh vegetables and insisted that her green grass be just right. She had an eye for creating beautiful garden designs, and I swear, it seemed like her flowers were always in bloom. She poured her heart into planting, watering, and nurturing them. But behind every flourishing garden was my dad’s labor of love, quietly laying the groundwork for her blossoming dreams.

All Mom had to do was mention more flowers, and Dad would be outside with a spade and pitchfork in hand. No matter how long it took, he’d be out in the garden, turning the soil, pulling up weeds, and clearing stones so that Mom’s plants could grow strong.

As I thought about that this week, I was reminded of the unseen hand in my own life making a way and clearing the path. I’m sure you know God is with you, but do you believe He is going before you? Consider this verse from Isaiah 45:2, where God says, “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron.” While this verse was specifically given to King Cyrus, it reveals a timeless truth about God’s nature and His ability to remove obstacles and make a way where there seems to be no way.

We can understand God’s presence in this way: He goes before us to make a way, walks beside us to provide companionship and support, and follows behind us to guard and protect. Karissa described God’s presence in her video this week by comparing it to a mother’s womb, where the baby is protected from all sides.

The same God who made a way for King Cyrus is actively working in our lives today, guiding us through challenges and opening doors that no one else can. Whether it’s a difficult relationship, a career decision, or a personal struggle, God is not only walking beside us but also protecting us and making a way.

We see a beautiful illustration of this in Genesis chapter 33. Last week, we discussed Jacob’s fear and anxiety about meeting Esau after many years. Understandably, Jacob was worried, given their past conflict. However, during those years, it’s evident that God was at work in their lives. Instead of reacting with anger, Esau ran to embrace Jacob with tears, indicating that a change had taken place in his heart. The bitterness and resentment that once defined their relationship had been replaced with forgiveness and love. Esau’s genuine joy and willingness to reconcile showed that God’s transformative power had softened his heart.

Their story reminds us that God is always at work in our lives. Whether we’re facing uncertainty or filled with anxiety, we can be certain that God is in control.

This Week’s Challenge

This week, take a moment to reflect on a relationship or situation in your life that may need healing or restoration. Pray and ask God to soften your heart and the hearts of others involved, just as He did with Jacob and Esau. Then, take a small step toward reconciliation, whether it’s reaching out with a kind word, offering forgiveness, or simply praying for that person. Trust that God is at work, making a way for peace and understanding.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

We have a bit of a shorter chapter this week, and so we only have assignments for two of the days. 

TUESDAY: GENESIS 33:1-11

Watch this week’s video at Time-Warp Wife or on Youtube (subscribe while you’re there)

Print off this week’s Bible verse at Time-Warp Wife.

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 33:1-11, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. If you are new to the group, now is a good time to introduce yourself. While you are there, maybe you could drop in a friendly message wishing others a blessed week, or share a prayer for the week ahead.

WEDNESDAY – Genesis 33:12-20

Go through the section in your study guide for Genesis 33:12-20, and answer the questions at the end of that section.

Share your reflections in the Facebook group.

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