Being a follower of Christ does not mean we close our ears or our eyes to realistically assessing our relationships and circumstances.

Jacob was realistic from what he heard:
(NASB) Genesis 31:1 “NOW JACOB heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, ‘Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what belonged to our father he has made all this wealth.’”

Laban’s sons thought their inheritance was diminishing.  Do you think they were jealous of Jacob?  Jacob had wives, sons and daughters, servants, camels, donkeys, herds and flocks.  He had become a wealthy man.

Jacob realistically understood the changing attitudes toward him:
(NASB) Genesis 31:2 “Jacob saw the attitude of Laban, and behold, it was not friendly toward him as formerly.”

Jacob did not have a problem of hearing or understanding changed attitudes.  It was at this point which the Lord talks with Jacob.
(NASB) Genesis 31:3 “Then the Lord said to Jacob… ”

Are you realistic in what you actually hear?  Are you realistic in understanding changing attitudes towards you?  This could be growing positive attitudes or negative attitudes.  Be in tune with what the realistic circumstances are.

Upon whom are you depending to help you in your circumstances?  Are you depending on your own thinking when deciding how to deal with sticky situations?

Or is your help the living God, the same God who is called the God of Jacob?

~ Take it to heart ~

(NIV) Psalm 146:5
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord his God.”