Have you ever thought, “This situation is totally beyond me, I have no idea what to do!”? Cornered by a crisis, overwhelmed by a conflict or crushed by painful consequences of your past - there you were alone, restless and paralyzed by fear and anxiety. That is where we find Jacob in Genesis 32. His worst nightmare is coming true. The agonizing circumstances lead him to a place of prayerful desperation, while an unexpected wrestling match reveals who he’s been fighting with the whole time. The transformation that follows is what happens when you go head-to-head with God’s mercy.

Oftentimes obedience to God requires a fast break – quickly pulling away from what is familiar, moving out from under what is oppressive and pressing forward in the face of paralyzing fear. Genesis 31:17-55 is the story of a fast break involving deceit, theft, a chase scene and twenty years of pent-up strife that explodes in conflict. How does God meet Jacob in his obedience with a timely reminder that enables him to face his fears? And how is that reminder ours to hold onto as we step out in obedience?

Just when you think things are too broken or out of control, just when you think the emptiness and pain will never let up and the decisions you made will haunt you forever. Just when you think God is nowhere to be found and you’ve been left to your own devices, Genesis 30-31 come at us with a family steeped in jealousy, comparison, injustice, sex for hire and more. How is the hidden hand of God at work through this crazy-complicated and broken family? And what does that mean for our crazy-complicated and broken lives?

No matter how weird or inappropriate it seemed or how socially unacceptable it was, she made up her mind. She knew it might cost her reputation and get people upset - but none of that mattered. John 12 is the story of a follower of Jesus willing to look like a fool and give up what others don’t understand in order to honor Jesus. How does a totally awkward dinner scene become a picture of the unrestrained devotion we’re called to display?

An update on Local Church St. Pete's partnership with Faith Youth Services from Chris Davis.

Have you ever felt like your life was broken beyond repair? People you trust lie to you, family members use you, or your marriage is complicated. Genesis 29 tells how God is providentially working in a troubled family. This story is a hopeful reminder of how God can be faithfully and quietly at work amidst the brokenness, complexities, and pain of our lives.