Jacob Overcoming Suffering
(Gen. 47:7~10)

When Jacob went to Egypt to meet Joseph, Jacob answered Pharaoh’s question of how old he is. He said, “The years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty. My years have been few and difficult, and they do not equal the years of the pilgrimage of my fathers.” Just like what Jacob said, he faced numerous sufferings in life. However, he overcame sufferings by relying on God and achieved changes and growth through this process. Life has sufferings and hardships. But, if we believe in and rely on God, we can overcome all kinds of sufferings.

1. A weary life away from home
1) Jacob had to leave home to escape from his older brother who was angry after he had his birthright blessing taken away. Jacob who was on his way to his uncle’s house fell asleep on the street. God appeared in his dream and gave him a promise that He will always be with him until he comes back. (Gen. 28:15)
2) Jacob faced hardships as he lived away from home for twenty years. But, because God helped him, he was able to build his own family and gain numerous livestock. (Gen. 30:10~12)

2. The way home
1) God told Jacob to go back to his hometown. So Jacob left for his hometown with his wife, children, and livestock. (Gen. 31:3)
2) Things were rough when heading home. Jacob sent a man to Esau to reconcile with him. But, Esau was coming to Jacob with his men. Jacob was able to reconcile with his older brother by relying on God. (Gen. 32:10)
3) If we pray when we face difficulties, God provides a way out. (1 Cor. 10:13)

3. Jacob overcoming suffering
1) As Jacob lived his life, he faced numerous sufferings. However, he was changed as a person that God wants through sufferings. (Ps. 119:71)
2) God was with Jacob in the midst of sufferings and gave him blessings. Even though we face numerous sufferings in life, if God is with us, we can overcome all sufferings and live a life where we may enjoy good health and that all may go well with us, even as our souls are getting along well. (James 5:13)