Contrary to popular wisdom in the Americanized Christio-religious church community, difficulty, in the form of trouble and hardship, is a tool used by God to develop his people. This truth is portrayed wonderfully through the life of the Old Testament patriarch Jacob. Throughout Jacob\'s life, trouble, both actuated and remedied by God, characterized every chapter of his life. From escaping his vengeful brother, to enduring domestic friction, to being victimized by his own uncle (and much more)..., Jacob\'s story of constant conflict is one for the book\'s, ...and a Jerry Springer episode. The serious message of this book, however is one of faith and encouragement as God demonstrates, through the life of Jacob, his complete control in all things concerning his children, no matter how difficult life can get.