Hebrews 11:21, "By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff."

Think

"God will often leave a reminder of our brokenness."  Have you heard the expression describing someone as a "marked man" or "marked woman"? God shows us in today's passage that Jacob was "a marked man." And while the hit out on his life from his brother was ancient history, he was still marked. How? Jacob had wrestled with God and God had touched Jacob's hip, causing him to limp for the rest of his life. That is why Jacob was still leaning on his staff, all those years later. Are you dealing with the pain from a modern-day wound? Maybe you're wrestling with an addiction, a difficult diagnosis, losing your job, or the passing of a loved one. Modern-day wounds can cause us to limp our way through life. But instead of leaving us feeling beaten and broken, let God use your mark to remind you that through your brokenness, he can bless you. Don't miss the important fact that, through it all, Jacob worshipped while leaning on his staff. Do the same today and worship God through your brokenness. He is ready and willing to bless you!

Act

Where has God marked you? It may be physical, as in Jacob's case, or it may be relational, mental or spiritual. Have you thanked him for it? Stop and write down what that mark is and put it somewhere that you regularly will see it. Every time you do, pause and thank God for that reminder of his impact on you.

Pray

God, thank you for marking my life. I pray that this mark would be a constant reminder of how much I need to lean on you daily. Thank you for the blessings in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.