Genesis 31:3 (NKJV)
Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

Observation:
Ch. 31 has an interesting progression leading up to v 3: In verse 1, Jacob heard about what was being said about him. This must have made him aware of things he hadn't previously been privy to. This contributed to v 2, his observation that Laban was not as favorable towards him as before. Then, God spoke...

Application:
More than what God said to Jacob, I'm interested in the process that led up to it. What happens when the Lord is going to change your assignment? First is the ability to discern the reason for the change in your perception. What are the feelings of those around you? What relationships that had previously been satisfying aren't any longer? Next step is that God has to give some specific instructions on what to do next. Finally, those God has entrusted to your care must confirm it: v 16 - "whatever God has said to you, do it."

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be a man who doesn't make irrational changes or respond out of offense. Help me to develop the right perception and an intuition that prepares me to hear what You want to speak to me.