Why does God sometimes take us the long way around?

In this message from our Genesis series, The Long Way Around, Tommy Carr walks through Genesis 29 and the next chapter of Jacob’s journey. After a dramatic encounter with God at Bethel, Jacob finds himself facing disappointment, delays, difficult relationships, and years of waiting.

Like Jacob, many of us place our hope in things we believe will finally satisfy us—a relationship, a career, a goal, or a dream. But God often uses those very desires to reveal what truly needs to change within us.

This powerful message reminds us that spiritual growth rarely happens on the mountaintop. More often, it is forged in the ordinary seasons of life where God is patiently shaping our character, teaching us to trust His promises, and preparing us for what lies ahead.

No season of waiting is wasted. God is at work even when the journey is longer than expected.

Watch now and be encouraged to trust God’s process, God’s timing, and God’s faithfulness.