Many times in the Bible, God calls Himself the “God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” I can understand why He called Himself the God of Abraham, because Abraham was a man of faith. I’m also not surprised He called Himself the God of Isaac, because Isaac was obedient—even when it nearly meant his death!

But when I read that He is the God of Jacob, I’m encouraged that God can use anyone, for Jacob was no candidate for the Good Character Trophy. No, he was actually a rascal who cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright to the family inheritance. Do you know the story? Esau, Jacob’s twin brother, had gone hunting. When he returned home, he was famished. Jacob had cooked lentil stew, and you can just imagine the aroma that filled the area as Esau approached, faint with hunger. At this point Jacob jumped at the chance to demand Esau’s birthright in exchange for a bowl of soup. Esau, exhausted, figured he was going to die anyway and took Jacob up on his offer. The deal was made, making Jacob a rich man. Was it an honest thing to do? No, of course not. But God still calls Himself “the God of Jacob.”

If I were God, I’m not sure I would want to be known as the God of Jacob. But that’s why the title is all the more important. God is not only the God of people of faith. He is also the God of those who need His mercy, and who of us has not needed mercy in our lives! Psalm 146 says, “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help” (Psalm 146:5 NKJV).

Whatever your neediness today, He is your God as well. Don’t hesitate to come to Him for what you need.

What do you need from God today?