For years I had the impression that God's love for me was tied to my striving for success and running towards my dreams. I remember several months ago I read a quote by Mother Teresa, 'Jesus has not called us to be successful, but to be faithful."

In Mark 3:13 Jesus calls to Himself those the He wanted so that they might be with Him. This last year I've learned that in the Scriptures it's much rarer to be called a 'friend' of God than it is to be 'used' by God.

Jacob struggled most of his life to gain worth, ownership and recognition. He stole, he lied, and he wrestled all in a strife-filled attempt to be somebody. He never realized that in striving to be somebody he was actually neglecting the very person God created him to be, His friend. So God never blessed Jacob while he was striving, lying, competing, or cheating...but rather while he was sleeping. These songs were given for the purpose of calling a generation back to intimacy with their Father. In history there have been few things more terrible than people who try to fulfill the great commission without first having understood God's loving acceptance of them. As was the case with Jesus, before He ever healed a lame person, fed the five thousand, or raised the dead, He first heard His Father's voice call out from heaven, 'You are My beloved, and in You I am well pleased.'

- Jason Upton