Leaning On Your Own Staff
"He...[died]...leaning on...his staff." Hebrews 11:21 NKJV
The Bible says, "By faith Jacob, when he was dying...worshiped, leaning on...his staff." Picture this: Each time Jacob had an experience with God, he took a knife and cut a ring around his staff as a reminder of what happened. The rings started at the bottom and worked their way to the top. One would surely have symbolized the night he wrestled with God and his name was changed to "Israel...a prince...with God" (Genesis 32:28). Another would have represented the night God showed him a vision of a ladder extending into heaven with angels on it. In short, Jacob staff represented a lifetime of experiences with God. So, it's not surprising that he died worshiping God--and leaning on his staff! Now consider the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. Her son suddenly became ill and died, so Elisha sent his servant Gehazi ahead with his staff to let the woman know he was coming. But when Gehazi placed the prophet's staff on the dead boy, nothing happened. Only when Elisha himself came was the child restored (See 2 Kings 4:32-35). The fact is, you can't lean on anyone's staff but your own! You can't stand on anyone else's experience with God but yours. When it's time to face life's challenges--including death--you can only lean on the faith you have developed during your personal walk with God. That's why it's essential to be faithful and consistent in your spiritual journey. By leaning on his staff when he was dying, Jacob, in essence, declared, "The God who preserved, protected, and prospered me thus far will take me the rest of the way." What blessed assurance!
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
The Bible says, "By faith Jacob, when he was dying...worshiped, leaning on...his staff." Picture this: Each time Jacob had an experience with God, he took a knife and cut a ring around his staff as a reminder of what happened. The rings started at the bottom and worked their way to the top. One would surely have symbolized the night he wrestled with God and his name was changed to "Israel...a prince...with God" (Genesis 32:28). Another would have represented the night God showed him a vision of a ladder extending into heaven with angels on it. In short, Jacob staff represented a lifetime of experiences with God. So, it's not surprising that he died worshiping God--and leaning on his staff! Now consider the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. Her son suddenly became ill and died, so Elisha sent his servant Gehazi ahead with his staff to let the woman know he was coming. But when Gehazi placed the prophet's staff on the dead boy, nothing happened. Only when Elisha himself came was the child restored (See 2 Kings 4:32-35). The fact is, you can't lean on anyone's staff but your own! You can't stand on anyone else's experience with God but yours. When it's time to face life's challenges--including death--you can only lean on the faith you have developed during your personal walk with God. That's why it's essential to be faithful and consistent in your spiritual journey. By leaning on his staff when he was dying, Jacob, in essence, declared, "The God who preserved, protected, and prospered me thus far will take me the rest of the way." What blessed assurance!
This message taken from: Daily Devotional - The Word For You Today
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January
This Year, Glorify God And Enjoy HimHow To Be Fruitful (1)How To Be Fruitful (2)How To Be Fruitful (3)How To Be Fruitful (4)How To Be Fruitful (5)Don't Lose Your JoyThe Pharisee And The ProstituteBecome A WorshiperPeople With A Past (1)People With A Past (2)People With A Past (3)Acknowledging God's SovereigntyDon't Let Your Feelings Control YouLearning From LepersForgive Your Parents (1)Forgive Your Parents (2)Stick With God's Plan (1)Stick With God's Plan (2)Become A ConduitHave You Sinned? God Will Forgive YouHeaven Is RealBe A Restorer (1)Be A Restorer (2)Self-ControlYoked Together With JesusLiving By FaithChoose PeaceSay No To SinBe Courageous (1)Be Courageous (2)
February
Love Wherever We GoA Humble PostureA Fresh StartThe Wonder of CreationNot for Our ComfortSweet SleepGetting What We WantSuccess and SacrificeMortality and HumilityHis Amazing HelpThe Voice of the FatherLiving by FaithNot ForgottenThe Power of LoveWe Are OneWise AdviceBeing SeenLiftSpotting GodLeaning Into GodNever Say "Can't"Love Your Loved OnesThe Challenge of the StarsFollow the LeaderAvoid the DoorPart of the FamilyThe Joy of Good NewsChoosing Celebration
March
How To Be Financially SecureWho Are You Depending On?God Speaks To You Through His WordLike Seeds Growing Within YouThe Smell Of SinBe Passionate About It! (1)Be Passionate About It! (2)Be Passionate About It! (3)Leaning On Your Own StaffAim For The MarkBe FaithfulGod's DNA Is In His WordDon't Withhold It--Give It!Do It TodayWork It OutHow God Changes Us (1)How God Changes Us (2)Think Right, Live RightWhat Does It Mean To Meditate?A Love For God's WordUnderstanding God's Love For YouIntercede With God For ThemDress For SuccessFeeling Good About YourselfUse Your FaithConquering SelfishnessWhen You Die (1)When You Die (2)When You Die (3)When You Die (4)When You Die (5)
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