# 285 Pray Together

The Book of Genesis

Day 285

Ge 31:14 Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, "Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?  15 "Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money.  16 "For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children's; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it."

Family meeting time! Jacob has made a decision to obey God. God has called him to return to his homeland. He calls his wives together and points out his very legitimate reasons for leaving! With every reason Jacob puts before them, he points out the hand of God in all of it.

First of all the covetousness of their father (Laban) has awakened a warring spirit in him, (Laban)  and things are getting a little dangerous for Jacob. And Jacob says, “But the God of my father has been with me.” (v5)

Then he reminds them of how many times their father had cheated him, and again says, “But God did not permit him to harm me.” (v7)

Then he reminded them that even as Laban changed the rules as they went along, God saw to it that Jacob prospered anyway: “God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me.”  (v9)

Did you notice how Jacob kept bringing God into the equation? In doing so, he rightly gives God glory! Maybe we could learn from that in our own lives!

At any rate, the girls should know now by now that God is with Jacob and the clincher is this same God had appeared to Jacob and told him to return home, promising to be with him!

Even as Jacob has solid reasons for leaving,  the girls now add their own. Laban had pretty much regarded the girls as property.  They were simply an opportunity for a handsome dowry. The money that he made off of Jacob for his 20 years of labor was already spent. There was no financial security for the girls if they stayed behind. So they tell Jacob to do whatever God has told him to do. In other words, they are on board with the move.

Their motive for leaving may not be as pure as Jacob’s but at least they are on board.

There’s a lesson here for us about communication within families. Spouse, clue your mate in on what God has been speaking to you. Don’t go racing off on your own obedience trips without including your other half! Especially if the obedience will have such a huge effect on them! Remember, husbands and wives are one! Act that way!  If God is in it, He will get you all on the same page. Trust Him to do that! And be sure to set aside some time for mutual prayer when these kind of decisions pop up…..and they will!

These are not “bless mommy and daddy and the children kind of prayers, “they are the “what will You have us to do Lord” kind of prayers, and are invaluable as you seek peace in your major decisions.!