Genesis 32:17-18

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the second part "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.

Jesus said that believers are in the world but not of the world. People want to be recognized and appreciated by others, and for this reason Christians often feel uncomfortable about “being different”. The Bible shows us our true status: we are not excluded from the world but rather included in the people of God. Our mission is to invite others to be part of this people. We will see from the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph how life as a stranger and pilgrim can be blessed by the Lord and be of blessing to others.

This devotional is about God changing Jacob to Israel. This is a process and the the way God works in our lives. It is good to understand the process and be alive to God's ways in our own lives, and allow Him to transform us to what He wants us to be.

Shaunti Feldhahn studied thousands of men and women to learn the most important things that matter to an abundant, happy marriage. It turns out, her research findings match what the Bible has said all along. This reading plan highlights those key Biblical secrets that we often miss — and which, once we apply them, usually make an immediate, wonderful difference. See more of her research, books, or speaking at shaunti.com.