Hard Work Can Pay Off: 3 Ways To Impact Your Prosperity

Hard Work Can Pay Off: 3 Ways To Impact Your Prosperity
By Ozeme J Bonnette

 

Once Laban and Jacob settled on Jacob's payment, Laban separated their flocks by a three days' journey. The speckled, spotted, and dark-colored animals were Jacob's payment. They were sent off with Laban's sons. Jacob continued to tend to Laban's flock, which was all of the white-colored animals.

The animals' coloring made it easy to determine whose animals were whose. Laban was probably really pleased with himself for getting Jacob to agree to such a deal. Since Jacob was still tending his flock, what were the chances of him having to pay Jacob anything else?

If Jacob's payment would only come in the form of speckled, spotted, and dark-colored offspring, how likely would it be that Laban's white-colored animals would produce such offspring?

As we can see in Genesis 30:37-42, Laban's flock produced quite a few speckled, spotted, and dark-colored offspring. Verse 43 confirms that even under seemingly impossible circumstances, Jacob was able to prosper in a big way. How did this happen? Let's look at three key factors that impacted Jacob's prosperity.

Jacob was a diligent, hard worker

Jacob originally came to Laban to work in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage. He agreed to work for seven years. But Laban deceived him. He ended up marrying Leah, and had to work an additional seven years for Rachel.

Over the course of those 14 years, we can see how well Laban fared with Jacob working for him. Laban recognized it in Genesis 30:27. Jacob mentioned it in Genesis 30:30. It wasn't until the end of those 14 years that there was even a discussion about payment for services rendered.

How often do we get upset when our bosses don't immediately recognize our efforts for the company by giving us raises and bonuses? Are we quick to want to stop working, or to not work as hard, because we don't feel appreciated?

Despite the lack of payment or acknowledgement, Jacob pressed on and gave Laban his best work. Colossians 3:23 is an often-quoted Scripture, so consider King Solomon's words in Ecclesiastes 9:10, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…" (NIV)

Jacob listened to God

Jacob's success also came through his obedience. He was attentive to God's voice and direction in dealing with his challenges with Laban.

We find out later in Genesis 31:10-13 that God spoke to Jacob in a dream. God assured Jacob that He was aware of Laban's misdeeds and gave him the strategy that led to his prosperity.

While Laban may have felt that he was winning, it was only for a season. As Solomon also shared in Ecclesiastes 12:14, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (NIV)

Have we quieted our bitter minds long enough to listen for direction from God? He may be ready to bring us out of our situation, if we only take the time to hear Him.

Jacob was patient

Patience is important enough to reiterate. We already saw that Jacob spent 14 years with Laban. After that, he worked for Laban for an additional six years. So, Jacob's struggle at work lasted 20 long, long years. How many of us could have made it that long?

As with anything, we have to remember that results are not always in our time, but in God's time. Our attempts to rush things may backfire and slow things down. In fact, it may set us back farther than where we originally started. Why take that chance?

Let's pray for the strength to endure our struggles for as long as God needs us to hold on. Pray that we remain diligent, even when we feel weak. Lastly, pray for that inner peace and quiet that will allow us to hear God's voice so that we can move in the direction He leads us to go. Galatians 6:9 is an excellent summary. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (NIV)

Ozeme J. Bonnette is a financial coach, speaker, and author. She began her career at Merrill Lynch, and now works to increase financial literacy. She teaches and speaks to groups and organizations throughout the U.S. She earned 3 Bachelor's degrees at Fresno State and an MBA at UCLA's Anderson School. Find her at http://www.thechristianmoneycoach.com