The Dangerous Place Called "Almost"

A sermon from Grace House Church in Florence, Alabama, by Pastor Eddie Lawrence. Based on Genesis 33:16-19, this message explores the life of Jacob and the spiritual danger of settling for comfort instead of following God's full call.

The story of Jacob teaches us about the dangerous territory of living in the 'almost' - those moments when we nearly follow through on God's promises but settle for something less. After wrestling with God and receiving His blessing, and after reconciling with his brother Esau, Jacob had clear direction to go to Bethel where God had called him. Instead, he chose the comfort and convenience of Succoth and later Shechem, spending approximately 30 years in places where God never intended him to stay.

This pattern of settling after breakthrough is common in our spiritual lives. We experience God's blessing and breakthrough, then become comfortable and let off the gas instead of pressing through to His best. Jacob's extended stay in Shechem led to serious consequences - his daughter Dinah was assaulted, which resulted in a massacre when his sons took revenge. These tragedies could have been avoided through simple obedience to God's original call.

When God finally instructed Jacob to go to Bethel, He required three things: put away foreign gods, purify yourselves, and change garments. Jacob's compromise had allowed idolatry and ungodly influences into his household. The principle applies today - we cannot carry the baggage of our past into the promises of our future. When we truly believe our blessings come from God, it shows in our gratitude, praise, and giving. Jacob's story reminds us that God's grace is sufficient for our journey, but we must not let 'almost' rob us of the fullness of what He has planned for our lives.

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Grace House is a Spirit-filled, non-denominational church located at 389 Seville St, Florence, AL 35630, serving Florence, Muscle Shoals, and the greater Shoals region.

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Grace House – 389 Seville St, Florence AL