GENESIS 32:31

Heaven had a plan from the very beginning. Heaven’s plan was to bring us a Savior; this Savior, though human, was God Himself. Hay held the Savior who would save our hearts. Heaven’s plan began to be unfolded in the Old Testament, centuries before the birth of Christ.

Throughout his life in the book of Genesis, we see Jacob fighting. Fighting for status. Fighting for blessings. Fighting in relationships. What can followers of Jesus learn today from someone whose life was a constant struggle?

Ten years ago I moved across the ocean, from Tennessee to Uganda, full of something I thought was hope but was more like naive optimism. When I faced tragedy, loss, and my own weakness, I wondered, Is God really good? And that’s when I began to understand what true hope is. I pray you will find hope in these brief devotionals—a whisper from God that even in your deepest sorrow, He is near.    

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the second part "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.