Genesis 31:17, 18 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; And he carried away all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padan-aram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
The Lord had appeared to Jacob in a dream, saying, ”Arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred (v. 13).” Jacob’s immediate response was to obey and do as God said. Rachel and Leah also responded in faithful obedience, saying, ”Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.” It was helpful that his wives also believed.
Jacob had been in a ”foreign” land for twenty years now, deceived by his father-in-law, but God blessed him with wives, sons, and material goods. Now it was God’s time. lt may feel like a long time to Jacob, but God’s timing is always right. And just as God promised, the Lord was always with him. Although he had settled in and gotten used to making a home among his relatives, he knew he belonged in the Promised Land. Finally God said ”Go” and Jacob went. God also had worked faith in his family to be willing to obey.
It often seems to take a long time for the Lord to hear our prayers and fulfill His desires for us. But it is as they say, “God is not in hurry, but He is never late.” It is helpful for to remember that God is working something out in us during the waiting time. It may take a while, but just as God developed stronger faith and character in Jacob, we can trust Him to do the same for us. Then when God calls, we arise and go.