This guy gives me hope. Not in a way that he sets an example for me to live by. But in a way that encourages me … in the fact no matter how screwed up I can be, there is hope.
He came into the world with great privilege … affluence, promise from God that he would be leader of a great nation, a sharp mind. But his blew the relationship with his brother and had to flee for safety. He was a trickster, grifter, deceiver. He was also at the bad end of others deceiving him.. His life was not two steps forward, one step back … it was more like ten steps back.
Yet in it all, he is a prime example and encourager. Not because of his story, but that his story is really not about him, but God.
God shows He never forgets us. He never gives up on us. God remains faithful even when we aren’t. God grace is bigger than anything we can do. His love is deeper and wider than any mishap on our parts.
Jacob was his name.
I also like him because he had a hip issue (just like me) … now the Bible says God was the one who gave Jacob the limp. Me? I have a genetic issue that gives me a limp. Maybe that was from God too. Either way, I have a small but noticeable limp.
I love the words of Adrian Rigers in regards to the life of Jacob …
Over the next few months, I will be working through the life of Jacob. I will share from some the nuggets of wisdom … but at the opening to the study, I have hope because, If God can use someone like Jacob, than ….
GOD can use a screw-up like me! and you!
Muddy Shoes by Todd 
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