Blessing What You Cannot Control
Hebrews 11:20
“By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.”
Isaac’s story is quieter than the others.
No great journeys.
No dramatic confrontations.
No defining speeches.
And yet, Hebrews includes him.
Why?
Because of a moment at the end of his life—when he speaks blessing over his sons concerning a future he will never see.
But the story is complicated.
Isaac intends to bless Esau, his firstborn. Instead, through deception, Jacob receives the blessing. When Isaac realizes what has happened, he trembles—but he does not take it back.
Instead, he says:
“Yes… and he shall be blessed.”
In that moment, Isaac yields.
He recognizes that something beyond his control—beyond his intention—is at work. The blessing stands, not because Isaac got it right, but because God’s purposes are moving forward.
This is a different kind of faith.
Not initiating.
Not striving.
But releasing.
Isaac teaches us that faith is not always about what we do—it is often about what we entrust to God, especially when things do not unfold the way we planned.
He speaks into a future he cannot manage, control, or fully understand.
And that is enough.
Reflection:
What are you holding onto that God may be asking you to release into His hands?
Prayer:
Lord, this is often difficult for most of us. We want to trust You to lead us and guide us to fulfill Your will and purposes. But, we often fail because we have a difficult time releasing our dreams and goals in exchange for Yours. Help us develop Isaac's kind of faith, trusting You when things don't work out our way, accepting Your plans for our lives. In Jesus' name, amen!

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© 2026 Jan Ross
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“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
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