1. “Waiting on God is an act of faith—the greatest thing ever required of us humans.  Not faith in the outcome we are dictating to God, jut faith in His character, faith in Himself.  It is resting in the perfect confidence that He will guide in the right way at the right time.  He will supply our need.  He will fulfill His word.  He will give us the very best if we trust Him.” (Elizabeth Elliot)

2.  Difficulty forges character.  In our lives, God’s good things are birthed through the pain of failure, difficulty, challenges, hurts.

3.  Parents must guard against showing favoritism in the family.  Showing favoritism is one way that parents can exasperate or embitter their children (Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21).

4.  God’s election is not based upon merit but upon grace.  He chooses Jacob (the younger) over Esau (the eldest), reversing the natural order.  His choice was made before they were born or had done anything good or bad (Romans 9:6-14).