(BLOG) Wrestling With God!

 

 

Genesis 32:28 Then the man said, "Your name will not longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome. (NIV)

 

 

Jacob was in trouble! Years prior, he had bargained for his brother's birthright, deceived his father by pretending to be his brother Esau, and left his uncle Laban's home in a hurry. Now, his brother was heading in his direction after years of bitterness towards him. Thinking that his brother was coming for revenge for stealing the firstborn's blessing, that belonged to him, Jacob tried to strategize just in case things didn't end so well. You can probably imagine the stress that he was under not knowing how all of this would turn out. To add on to the pressure, Jacob ended up wrestling all night with God.

 

Many of us have wrestled unknowingly with God. You may have tried for many years to live the life that God would have of you, while every thing that could possibly be thrown your way has. You may have dealt with an illness for numerous years, lost various friends and loved ones, tried to find gainful employment, but unsuccessful, or maybe even battled depression all while trying to serve GOD. You may have even questioned God as to His reasons for having you go through so much when others around you seem to be flourishing in all they do. Nevertheless, you refused to QUIT!

 

 

 

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (NIV)

 

Jacob, after wrestling with God, received a new name and with that name came many blessings. The Apostle James lets us know that we will indeed be tested. If we are to be true followers of Christ, trials will come. However, we are promised a crown of life IF we endure. Is endurance easy? No! Are trials fun? No! Nevertheless, no athlete who has ever won a medal without proper training and rough moments. Each drop of sweat, muscle aches, and tiredness prepared them to endure and receive their reward at the end. It is the same with God. He trains us and it doesn't always feel good, but in the end, it will all be worth it.

 

 

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