PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Genesis 31-33
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:28)
God-struggler, what a great name for God’s people.
This is not a negative name, but an encouragement for those who do not give up.
Faith in God is like that, it is a struggle to hang on, a refusal to let go.
Bless the soul that never struggles, but I am not that kind of person.
My struggles are a mix of real questions, satanic attacks and personal weakness.
I readily admit that doubts and uncertainties continue to swirl in my mind.
But I refuse to let go… and I thank the Spirit of Jesus who wrestles with me, in me.
Even though Jacob feared his brother, he faced him, and experienced God.
“For to see your face is like seeing the face of God.” (Genesis 33:10)
Jesus struggled for us, to guarantee that we would see God’s smiling face.
Life will still be a struggle in this sin-messed world, we will walk with a limp.
But at the end of this path, we will see God, and we will overcome!
“Press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you.” (Philippians 3:12)
Whatever you are facing, refuse to let go God; He refuses to let go of you!
PRAYER
Lord, in my struggle and wrestling, remind me that even when my grip is weak, Your grip is strong. You never let go!
I relate to the wrestling with fear and anxiety – wondering how things will turn out. I pray but still worry! I know I need to do my part – but can I grow in trust and seek God’s counsel through prayer while in the doing knowing that God will see me through – The outcome is sure – that is what ‘hindsight’ has proven time and time again. Like a phrase out of the Contemporary Testimony – “the future is secure, our world belongs to God”.
Once again I am reminded to rely on the promises of God and that I am not in charge. All too often we try to work out His plans in our own power/schemes instead of letting go and let God take charge. I need to put my small hand in His large hand to lead me and guide me in the Way to journey – my pilgrim’s progress. That’s comfort.
1 Standing on the promises of Christ my king,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God my Savior;
standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2 Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
3 Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
4 Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit’s call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Lord Jesus in my struggling and wrestling to live a life worthy of you bless me and strengthen me according to your glorious might that I may have great endurance and patience.