“Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your father and grandfather and to your relatives there, and I will be with you.””
Genesis 31:3 NLT

Every time God gives an instruction for someone to move in the Bible, it is always for their betterment and for a breakthrough in their life. We see this clearly in the life of Abraham, whom God kept moving from place to place, each step leading him closer to the promised land.
Jacob is another powerful example of this truth. God commanded Jacob to leave his existing place. He moved from Beersheba to Haran, to his mother’s family, and lived with his uncle Laban for nearly twenty years. During that time, Jacob’s flocks increased greatly—more than Laban’s. Yet Laban continually tricked Jacob: from marrying the love of his life, to manipulating wages, to deceiving him in the breeding of the sheep. In spite of being cheated and mistreated, Jacob continued to prosper because God’s favor rested abundantly upon him.
When Laban and his family saw Jacob increasing, their attitude toward him changed. The Lord saw every injustice, every deception, and every unfair treatment. Then God commanded Jacob to return to his birthplace and promised to be with him. Jacob shared this instruction with his wives, and they agreed to move with him.
God appeared to Jacob again in a dream and acknowledged his suffering, saying:
“For I have seen how Laban has treated you. I am the God who appeared to you at Bethel, the place where you anointed the pillar of stone and made your vow to me. Now get ready and leave this country and return to the land of your birth.”
Genesis 31:12–13 NLT
Jacob, his wives, his children, and all that belonged to him began their journey back to his birthplace without informing Laban. When Laban later discovered that Jacob had left, he pursued him and eventually met him on the way. A treaty was made between them. They set up a pillar, which Jacob named Mizpah, meaning watchtower. They made a covenant meal and agreed not to cross the boundary to harm one another.
“Jacob took an oath before the fearsome God of his father, Isaac, to respect the boundary line.”
Genesis 31:53 NLT
The Word of God encourages us that God brings us out of certain territories to fulfill His divine plans. Twenty years was a long time for Jacob to be cheated by his own uncle and family. The painful part was that Jacob knew he was being deceived, yet he had no choice but to endure it. To others, Jacob’s life appeared successful—as if Laban had helped him build and establish a family. But in reality, Jacob was denied his basic rights.
God had been watching all along. A day came for Jacob to move, to set up a boundary, and to establish a watchtower between his past and his future. Jacob had to leave years of lies, deception, and the illusion of security in order to prepare a path for future generations to inherit the promised land.
The same God who watched over Jacob is watching over you. Jacob had to leave Laban’s traditions, practices, gods, and ways of life to receive a fresh start and step into a greater future.
As we come to the end of this year, may God set a clear boundary between your past and your future. May you cross over, leaving behind the old self, old habits, and old practices that deceived you and held you back. May you step into a life filled with abundance, peace, love, and joy.
God has seen your past, and now it is time to set a boundary and leap forward into a future filled with hope and life.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the God who sees every injustice and every silent tear. As You gave Jacob a fresh start, give us the courage to move when You call us. Set holy boundaries between our past and our future, and lead us into Your promises filled with peace, joy, and hope. We trust You with every step ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.








