Winning Strategies

Laban and his son-in-law Jacob finally agreed on his compensation for years of labor. Jacob asked to remove every black lamb and the speckled and spotted sheep and goats. Laban agreed to the odd request.

Jacob took “fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them.” Then he “set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the watering places.” The flocks bred in front of the sticks and “brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted.” Jacob also employed a strategy to attract stronger animals during the breeding process (Genesis 30:37-42).

It all worked amazingly well. As a result of this strategy, Jacob’s resources “increased greatly” (v. 43). He was blessed with huge numbers of sheep, camels, and donkeys, and many servants. Explaining his strategy, Jacob made clear that God gave him these ideas in a dream. And His angel provided him with details he was to employ. He succeeded mightily because he followed God’s plan.

Through his obedience, Jacob demonstrated how God leads us and gives us strategies that can apply in business, finance, agriculture, and even ministry – in any area of life.

God can guide you in many different ways. And He can give you insight and winning strategies on any subject. Commit the issues you face to Him. Be sensitive to His leading and open to new ideas. Be ready to employ
the strategies He gives you.