The LORD teaches us to depend upon him and sometimes he does it by bringing people into our lives who might be quite difficult. Jesus shows us what it is like to depend upon hos heavenly Father and proves how trustworthy he is.

The LORD leads us and we follow him and then all of a sudden, it can seem like everything has gone wrong? What do we do? Often we can be tempted to think we must have made a mistake or taking a wrong term, but that is usually not the case. We are called to trust in his unfailing love which we see so clearly in the finished work of Jesus on the cross.

Jacob has 20 long years ahead where it might seem like the sun has set on his life, and yet the LORD comes to him and speaks such kind words to reassure him. We can be confident that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.

God is so kind with Isaac who had been stubborn - he gave Isaac the opportunity to do the right thing with Jacob and he did. We have God who stays with us and will carry on to completion the good work he has begun in us.

What a story! God can draw a straight line with a crooked stick. He uses us in all of our weakness and even sin. What a warning to not be like Esau who despised Jesus. Thank God for Jesus he is the truth!

The end doesn't justify the means. Just because we have good intentions, we can't say it's OK to do things that are wrong to get there - even if we're desperate. It's better to say, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief" and to follow the always trusting example of Jesus.

Jesus will build his church and nothing will overcome it - not even the immovable object of Isaac who wants to give the blessing to evil Esau!

We should expect opposition as Christians, but remember Jesus has won. Jesus came knowing exactly what it was cost him and yet he willingly finished the work he had been given to do. It is finished!

We are always teaching others what we believe by how we behave! Let's be careful not to fall, especially if we have been on a bit of a high. May people see Jesus in us and be drawn to him.

God makes this amazing promise to Isaac at a tough time. We can totally depend upon all that he promises - Jesus did, even in the darkness of the cross.