When It’s Time to Make a Big Change: The Everyday Adventure of Genesis 31
Everyone has opinions about what you should do. But when you get quiet and really listen, there's a small voice inside that knows the way.
This is a crossroads every creative thinker or entrepreneur meets, and probably everyone else too: the moment where you feel called to leave what’s familiar, even if it’s scary, and go towards something better. Genesis 31 is a story about that moment. It’s not just about Jacob and Laban; it’s about what happens inside you when you have to take a stand and claim a new life.
Let’s Set the Scene: The Story of Jacob and Laban
Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s. From that which was our father’s, has he gotten all this wealth.” Jacob saw the expression on Laban’s face, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. (Genesis 31:1-2 WEB)
Jacob worked for Laban, his father-in-law, for many years. Jacob kept his promises, but Laban changed the rules again and again. One day, Jacob noticed Laban’s attitude had shifted. Laban’s sons even accused Jacob of stealing. Jacob felt uncomfortable and unwelcome.
Mystical view: In this story, “Jacob” is the part of you that’s ready to grow and take charge of your life. “Laban” is that old, limiting pattern in your mind—or the job, role, or relationship—that keeps shifting the rules and takes advantage of your energy. You, like Jacob, sometimes stay in a place or a belief system way past its expiration date, because it’s familiar or because you’ve always done it that way.
Question to consider: There's a particular kind of pain when stayed somewhere too long—at a job, in a friendship, in the way you see yourself—just because it was familiar, even if you knew deep down it was time to leave?
The Call from Within: Listening to a Higher Awareness
Yahweh said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” (Genesis 31:3 WEB)
Jacob hears a clear message: Go back home. I am with you. For you, this is like your gut, your intuition, your higher knowing nudging you gently but firmly—“It’s time. Trust it will work out.”
- This doesn’t come from self-doubt (fear), but from a deep, peaceful inner sense.
- You might not know exactly what’s next, but you know staying where you are just doesn’t feel right.
The invitation is simple but not always easy: Are you willing to listen to your own inner direction even when it means leaving your comfort zone?
Gathering Your Team: Honest Conversations with Family and Allies
Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock, and said to them, “I see your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before... God of my father has been with me... Your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn’t allow him to hurt me.” (Genesis 31:4-7 WEB)
Jacob doesn’t make the decision alone. He goes out to talk with Rachel and Leah, his wives. He describes what’s been happening and explains why it’s time for a change. Together, they realize that the way things have gone, none of them can stay anymore.
Symbolically, this is when you gather your “inner team”—your clear thoughts and honest feelings. You check in with your values and those you care about most. You have real talks, not just about what’s going “wrong,” but about what could be different.
- Rachel and Leah agreeing with Jacob means the creative, wholehearted parts of you agree with your decision to move on.
- Leaving isn’t easy, but suddenly you feel a new kind of energy: teamwork, connection, and courage all at once.
Question to ask: When was the last time you checked in with yourself about what you truly wanted—instead of just going along with what you’ve always done? What does your “inner team” tell you when you’re honest?
Making the Move: Taking Bold Action (Even When It’s Scary)
Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives on the camels... He carried away all his livestock... that he might go to Isaac his father. (Genesis 31:17-18 WEB)
Jacob doesn’t just wait around. He gathers the people and things he loves—and leaves. He acts. This is the moment you start the new business, submit your resignation letter, or finally say the thing you’ve been holding in. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s action, movement, commitment.
But it isn’t always neat. You might feel anxious or even guilty. Rachel takes something from her father’s home (his household idols), which leads to a tense chase scene later. Sometimes, even when you make the right move, old habits or fears want to sneak into the new chapter with you.
Pop culture example: Think about Joanna Gaines from “Fixer Upper.” She and her husband, Chip, left safe jobs to start their own business restoring old houses. Some people thought they were taking a huge risk, but they listened to their inner sense of what was next and took action. Even when things got tough or mistakes happened, they kept moving forward—because the feeling inside was clear.
The Tension: Facing Pushback and Old Patterns
It was told Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled... He took his brothers with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey... (Genesis 31:22-23 WEB)
Laban chases after Jacob. He’s angry and afraid of losing control. He demands to know why Jacob left, and accuses him of stealing. In moments of change, your “old boss”—the patterns and people from your past—kick up a fuss. They don’t want to let you go.
This isn’t just about people. Sometimes, it’s your own old beliefs, self-doubts, or worries trying to talk you into going back to “how things were.” You feel guilty for chasing something better—even if it’s right for you.
But Jacob stands his ground. He listens, speaks up, and refuses to apologize for following the deeper call in his life.
Pause and notice: Can you remember a time you made a big move, and unexpected problems popped up—old patterns tried to drag you back? Did you hold firm to your choice, or did you feel pulled to give up?
Awareness Expands: Clarity & Re-Connection with Purpose
God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said, “Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.” (Genesis 31:24 WEB)
Even Laban—who stands for the old, controlling pattern—gets a message. There’s a higher awareness at work, bigger than either side of the argument. This awareness sets a boundary: Let go and let the new chapter happen.
You can feel this peace when you tune into something greater than the back-and-forth of old arguments. It becomes clear: you’re not running from the past, you’re heading toward something new.
Jacob and Laban eventually agree to make a boundary—an agreement that honors the past but allows both to move forward. They pile stones, share a meal, and promise to let each other go in peace.
This is often when you set new, healthy limits for your time, energy, and focus. You forgive what came before, but you don’t have to go back. You step into the promise of a future you choose.
- Laban = old story, wanting to keep you stuck.
- Jacob = your courage to leave and build something new.
- Rachel and Leah = your creative energy and deep feelings, standing up for you.
- The dream/message = your higher sense of what’s really right, guiding everyone back to clarity.
Reflection: If you could draw a boundary with an old belief or a draining responsibility—what would you say “goodbye” to? What would you promise yourself for this new chapter?
A Simple Action: Your Next Step
Whenever you feel stuck in an old pattern, take a quiet moment. Write down:
- What is no longer working for me?
- What do I really want, deep down?
- What small step could I take today to move toward that desire?
Say it out loud. Then do one thing—even something tiny—to honor that decision. Each act of courage in your real life is like Jacob leaving Laban: you move from a tired old pattern to a larger sense of possibility.
What’s Coming Next: Genesis 32—Wrestling with the Unknown
Next time, you’ll see what happens when Jacob is out on his own and has to face the night—his greatest fears and all his questions. You’ll discover how a real turning point happens inside before it shows up outside. You’ll learn how every big leap brings both doubt and new strength.
Remember: Every time you choose what’s right for you, your awareness, courage, and life keep expanding.
