Don’t cut corners!

“And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. And he said, What meanest thou by all this drove which I met? And he said, These are to find grace in the sight of my lord.” Genesis 33:7-8 KJV

In life, cutting corners may seem like a quick solution, but it often leads to more problems down the road. The Bible teaches us to trust God and follow His ways rather than taking shortcuts. In Genesis 33:7-8, we see Jacob bowing before Esau, the brother he once deceived. Esau had become a great nation when Jacob was still struggling to make ends meet. Jacob learned that trying to manipulate situations or get ahead by his own strength only delayed God’s blessings. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I have discovered that it pays to spend time with God daily and to focus on your personal development and goals. You will eventually fulfil your destiny if you do.

By taking shortcuts, we demonstrate a lack of trust in God's timing and provision. Even though Jacob tried to cheat his way into blessings, he eventually had to humble himself before God and others. We must remember that God’s promises come to fruition in His timing. The Israelites, too, faced similar lessons during their journey in the wilderness; when they tried to go their own way, they faced setbacks (Numbers 14:41–45). It is a reminder that staying faithful to God’s process, even when it’s slow or difficult, is the best path to lasting success. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Trust God’s process, and He will lead you to your destiny without compromise.

Prophetic word: The Lord is calling you to a season of alignment and patience. You may feel tempted to rush ahead or find shortcuts to the blessings you seek, but the Lord urges you to trust in His perfect timing. The Lord is preparing something greater than you can imagine, but it requires your obedience and faithfulness to walk the path He has set before you. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). Labor daily in His written word and prayer. In due time, you will see the fruit of your labor, and the doors that God opens will be undeniable, leading you into your promised land.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness and Your perfect timing. I pray for patience and strength to follow Your path without wavering or cutting corners. Lord, help me to trust that every delay and challenge is part of Your divine plan to mold me into the person You have called me to be. May I walk in obedience and faith, knowing that as I do, You will make my path straight and lead me into the blessings You have prepared. I rebuke every temptation to compromise or take shortcuts, and I declare that I will stand firm in Your word. Fill me with Your peace and wisdom as I wait on You, and may I see Your goodness in the land of the living. In Jesus’ name, Amen.