Author: Tyler Eggers

Reading Plan: Genesis 28

“He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: ‘I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All people on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.’ When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.’ He was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.'” Genesis 28:12-17

While Jacob was traveling to his new home, he was visited by the Spirit of God through a dream. This event was very similar to what happened to Paul when he encountered the Lord on the Road to Damascus. In both Jacob’s story and Paul’s story, they are each transformed by their encounter with God. Can you relate? When we come to know our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, transformation happens and our purpose in life changes. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

In a moment, God sets us free from the bondage of sin and places a calling on our lives. Do you know what your calling is? If so, that’s amazing. If not, then you are probably in the majority, so don’t lose heart. I have questioned my calling many times. Just last year, I was reading one of my favorite books, Garden City, and I realized that I did not know my main gifting. Sure, there are many things that I’m good at (and even more that I’m bad at), and I am so blessed to have a career that I LOVE! I am closer to the answer today, but to be honest, I am still in search of exactly what that specific calling is. If that’s you, then let me tell you –

You. Are. Okay!

And here’s why:

We have all been given two commands that we can carry out right here and right now – two things that all Christ-followers are called to do. The first command is from Genesis 2. Man is told to work and subdue the land. When we seek to understand the original meaning of this verse, we learn that it means we are to serve both God and people by the way that we work and live our lives. We are to create a Heaven-like culture right where we are.

Our second command comes from Matthew 28. In this passage, Jesus tells us to go and make disciples. How do we do that? We follow the example of Jesus while showing someone else how to do the same. It is that simple.

So, if you are still in pursuit of your calling/gifting, let me share a few things with you that you can do today:

1. Invite people to know, love, and follow Jesus. Look for opportunities to share your faith with someone, and invite them to come to church with you.
2. Invest in your personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. Spend time with Him each day in silence, scripture, and prayer. Make sure to stay connected to the local church by being a part of a weekend worship experience and a House Church.
3. Impact someone by serving them. Serve and love your neighbors.
4. Ignite through generosity. Be generous and give of your time and resources. It doesn’t have to be to Venture. The important thing is to create a life of generosity that focuses on helping others.

If these four I’s are a part of your life, then you are doing what God called you to do. Be blessed!

Reflection & Response:

• What is the one thing that God has gifted you to do?
• What is something that you can be faithful in doing right here and now?
• Love Your Neighbor is a great opportunity to use your gifts to follow the two commands God has given us: Serve God and people, and go and make disciples. Visit our LYN website to find out how you can serve your community during Love Your Nighbor Week, happening April 3-9th!
• Challenge: Read Garden City or listen to the audiobook this week.
• Prayer: Lord, I know that you created me on purpose for a purpose. At times, I find myself stagnant because I am not exactly sure what I am supposed to be doing. Please give me direction and insight into what you have uniquely gifted me to do while I am faithful in simply following the teachings of Jesus. Please use me for Your glory today. Amen. 

HAVE KIDS?

Use the content below to dive deeper into the Bible Reading Plan with your family.

Family Application: He is always with us!

• After Jacob told a lie to his dad, he ran away. Jacob was not with his family anymore. God spoke to Jacob and reminded Jacob that He is always with him. When Jacob heard God say this, it gave Jacob hope and courage. This is what Jacob says in Genesis 28:20-21: "Then Jacob made a promise. He said, ‘May God be with me. May he watch over me on this journey I’m taking. May he give me food to eat and clothes to wear. May he do as he has promised so that I can return safely to my father’s home.'”
• Jacob knew that God was always going to be with him and God was going to take care of him. Once Jacob knew this, he went on a journey. God wants us all to be on a journey with Him. Tell God you are ready for a lifelong journey with Him. Take a few minutes and draw a picture of yourself on a journey. You can make it whatever kind of journey you would like.
• Find time as a family to have one of your neighbors over to your house. At some point in the evening, make an intentional effort to mention your journey with God. This is an amazing opportunity to model a missional mindset for your family.
• Prayer: God, thank you for always being with me. Thank you for always taking care of me. God, I want to spend my life on a journey with you. Help me spend time with you today. God, I pray for our neighbors that they would come to know, to love, and to follow you, Jesus. Amen.