God Speaks Promises Before We Feel Worthy
In Genesis 28, Jacob isn't in a spiritual mood when God speaks to him. He's neither praying nor repenting, nor seeking the Lord. Instead, he's fleeing—escaping consequences, family disputes, and a history of deception. Despite this, it is here that God offers promises.
In the quiet of the night, Jacob envisions a dynamic stairway reaching from earth to heaven. Angels move up and down, showing that God is constantly active even when we don’t see it. Then, the Lord speaks—not to rebuke, but to reassure.
Genesis 28:12-15
And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it. The Lord was standing there beside him, saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your offspring the land on which you are lying. Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out toward the west, the east, the north, and the south. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
PROMISES GIVEN, NOT EARNED
God starts by reaffirming His covenant with Jacob, echoing the promises made to Abraham and Isaac — land, descendants, blessing, and presence. This demonstrates grace in its purest form, as Jacob has done nothing to earn these words. Instead, his recent actions might merit silence, yet God chooses to speak regardless.
We often believe that God waits until we have cleaned ourselves up before He speaks with kindness to us. However, Genesis 28 offers a different perspective. His promises are based not on our actions but on His unwavering faithfulness. God declares identity and promise to Jacob even before his transformation happens.
“I AM WITH YOU” COMES FIRST
At the heart of God’s promise is not provision or direction, but presence: “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” God does not promise Jacob an easy road—only a faithful Companion. This is often what our hearts need most. Not explanations. Not guarantees. Just the assurance that we are not abandoned.
Imagine a child who is afraid at night. Instead of a lecture, they need to hear a familiar voice. They find comfort in the words, “I’m here.” Similarly, God communicates with Jacob in the same way—addressing fear with His presence. He reminds Jacob that even in life’s apparent darkness, he will hear the steady voice saying, “I’m here.”
GRACE THAT PRECEDES CHANGE
Jacob will continue to wrestle, stumble, and grow gradually. However, true transformation starts now—with grace instead of guilt. God’s promises serve as the foundation for shaping Jacob’s life. This is also how God interacts with us: He offers promises before we feel deserving, because worthiness is never a prerequisite.
Maybe you're feeling regret, shame, or believe you’ve disqualified yourself from God’s kindness. Genesis 28 encourages you to listen once more—not to accusations, but to God’s promises. His faithfulness isn't dependent on your consistency. Which promise of God do you need to hear again? Not because you deserve it, but because God is faithful and trustworthy.
