S – Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob placed the branches in the troughs, in full view of the flocks, and they would breed in front of the branches. ⁴² As for the weaklings of the flocks, he did not put out the branches. So it turned out that the weak sheep belonged to Laban and the stronger ones to Jacob.

Genesis 30:41–42 CSB 

O – Commentary:

God intervened to fulfill the expectations Jacob had in the branches. The peeled branches, placed in the watering troughs, appeared to make his animals reproductive as they mated in front of the troughs. In addition, Jacob used selective breeding by mating the stronger animals for himself and the weak female goats and sheep for Laban. But this was not the only time God’s part in Jacob’s success was much greater than it seemed to an observer.

, “Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Jacob continues to skirt deception with strategically mating the sheep in his uncle’s flocks to benefit him.  There is a fine line with strategy and wisdom with deception and manipulating.  One has to look at their own walk with God to determine where their faith comes into play.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are holy and just.  Empower us to build our faith in you in all areas.  Also, give us wisdom to see situations and be strategic to accomplish the purposes you have for us.