Now is the Time to Throw off the Weight of Expectations

Do you often feel as if the destiny God has for you is different than the one your friends or family want for you? Or maybe you don’t know what you are called to do in life.

This is a common issue people face when seeking to step into their true identity in God. In fact, many of us spend a lot of time trying to operate in an identity that was never made for us.

This happened to two brothers named Esau and Jacob in the Bible.

Two brothers and a case of switched identities

Before the twins were even born, God spoke to their mother, Rebekah, concerning their destiny:

The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23 NIV

It was traditional in those days for the eldest brother to receive the largest portion of inheritance. However, as the brothers grew up, Esau preferred being a man of the wilderness, while Jacob preferred the day-to-day business of home.

The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Genesis 25:27 NIV

Leaving the false identity behind

One day, Esau came in from hunting as Jacob was cooking some stew. When Esau asked for a portion, Jacob said he would share some if Esau would sell his birthright to him.

Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright. Genesis 25:34 NIV

The birthright didn’t even mean much to Esau because it was a destiny he didn’t want. Jacob wanted the birthright because it was the destiny God had in store for him.

Stepping into your true identity

Eventually their father, Isaac, was near death and accidentally gave the eldest son’s blessing to his younger son, Jacob. God’s prophetic word to Rebekah was fulfilled.

Instead, Isaac blessed Esau to become a man of the wilderness and throw off the burden of having to serve Jacob (Genesis 27:34–40).

It’s important to note that both Esau and Jacob were born under a cultural expectation that they didn’t even care for. Esau was initially angry with Jacob because he felt his identity was taken from him—but in his heart, Esau knew it wasn’t what he desired.

God had other good plans for Esau. Once the false identities were removed from both brothers, Esau thrived in the wilderness while Jacob found success under the blessing of his father.

Making peace with your true destiny

Years later, Jacob tried to make amends with his brother by sending him great gifts.

But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” Genesis 33:9 NIV

Wow. Esau and Jacob both found peace in the identity the Lord always had for them. God really does know each of us individually and what kind of prosperous future will make us feel fulfilled.

It’s time to throw off the weight of other people’s expectations and step into the true destiny God has specifically chosen for you!

Watch for God to speak to you concerning your true identity in Him.


Blessings!

Doug Addison
DougAddison.com

P.S. Want to uncover the truth of who you are in God? Check out my new online training, 7 Remedies for Spiritual Identity Theft. Get set free from spiritual identity theft so you can discover the truth of who you are in God!

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts, entertainment and media industries.

Doug Addison

Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. He is best known for his Daily Prophetic Words and Spirit Connection podcast and blog. Doug’s message of love, hope and acceptance reaches people around the world! His powerful, lighthearted style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their spiritual identity and personal destiny as they experience God’s supernatural love and power. He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries.

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    • SANDRA Jurecka
    • July 6, 2019
    Reply

    I would truly like to learn more

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • July 10, 2019
      Reply

      Awesome! Feel free to browse DougAddison.com for further information on Doug’s ministry.

    • chimezie
    • April 19, 2019
    Reply

    This is great! I am founding myself in the same situation and it is not easy to find ones destiny.

    • ReGina Finch-Tollett
    • April 18, 2019
    Reply

    This really is helpful. I feel like I’m drowning in other people’s expectations. I feel the Lord directing me one way and my family pushes (hard) for me to do what they think I should do. It’s miserable. I’m really struggling. Please pray the Lord intervenes

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • April 18, 2019
      Reply

      Bless you ReGina! Agreeing for breakthrough in your life!

  1. Reply

    Please pray for me,i will be finishing my current job next week, and will be ready for a new adventure,and Id like what God has in mind for me(,not what my flesh would like)Ive been in far too many of those situations and i prefer to stay in step with holy spirit and wait on Him.thank you

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • April 18, 2019
      Reply

      Agreeing with you Margaret for this new adventure! Bless you!

    • Raymond Gutierrez Jr
    • April 18, 2019
    Reply

    I always wanted to be used by God to uplift & encourage others. I so much want to hear the Lord as some mighty men of God in the bible. To pray for others, but to pray what God is telling them not just a prayer. I have had others pray over me & it wasn’t what I needed at that time it made me feel as the Lord didn’t care about me.

    • June
    • April 18, 2019
    Reply

    Blessings to you Doug, I am so grateful that I subscribe to receive your daily prophetic words. They have opened my eyes to see God in a new way. This post spoke to me so deeply as I have been trying to understand my identity in the God I serve. Understanding who I am becoming as I move through my life in this season. Being brave and bold to step outside of the box and see God in unexpected places. Learning to trust him and believe that I am capable to do more in him then in my own strength. I still struggle with stepping forward and at times feel stuck, but I am a work in progress. These words were sent for me and I am grateful. Thank the Lord for your obedience to serve us with these words.

      • Nikki, InLight Connection Team
      • April 18, 2019
      Reply

      I’m so glad this blog post helped you June. God bless you!

    • Mereoni Sadria
    • April 18, 2019
    Reply

    Whzt is my calling

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