Desiring the blessing of God("Wrestling With God")

[Totherock]

Title: Desiring the blessing of God("Wrestling With God")

Genesis 32:22-32

We struggle when we grow.

We find a man named Jacob who faced a lot of struggles as he grew to be the man God wanted him to be. Jacob left town in great disgrace. It is also certain that aside from his mother, no one knew where he was headed. Jacob's brother Esau was so mad at him that Jacob had to leave town in a hurry -- just to survive.

Jacob struggled all through his life. God wanted him to be God's man;

Each of us faces that tension today. There are struggles with relationships, morality, the physical realm.

We struggle in every area of life. We struggle with why some things must be. Why does a plane crash, or a bridge collapse in Korea?

Even though we accept struggle as a part of life, we still question its value, its purpose. Along with our questioning, there is one immutable fact that, if accepted, will give your suffering -- your struggling some meaning.

In life's crucible, God is there!

And He will help you through it all!

Note three PRINCIPLES about wrestling with God in the struggles of life. These principles are seen in the life of Jacob. He is camped at the river Jabok on the night before he is to confront his brother Esau. Jacob is coming home. He doesn't know what to expect. It has been twenty years. This is a time when Jacob could really use a friend to help him.

Principle #1 Get alone with God

Note that Jacob prayed, but he didn't get an answer right away.

This prayer was public. But Jacob got no answer until he got alone with the Lord.

Many of us depend too much on the prayers of others, such as the preacher, friend or spouse.

When we get alone God is able to speak in that still small voice, asking us the hard questions: "What is thy name?" (Ge 32.27b). To Jacob that question meant more than simply what people called him. It meant he had to answer

God concerning his character. Here, alone, Jacob was finally able to answer God. We need to appropriate that kind of honesty with God. Public prayer is general. When you get alone with God all the veneer and outer facades melt away. There is no one to lie to.

Principle #2 Get Authentic With God

We don't have to settle for the superficial things in our relationship with God. The name Jabok means "to run about and stir up dust."

the same word is used for prayer and weeping.

What's authentic about you today? Is it your clothes? Is it the way you comb your hair? Or is it an authentic relationship with an Almighty God -- so honest and open that you will not settle for anything less than Him. And you want no less in your human relationships.

Principle #3 Get Amended By God

When you get alone and authentic with God, the next thing that WILL happen is change. God will change you. Jacob hung around the whole night waiting for answers. God honors that kind of persistence.

Here is the bottom line. Jacob wrestled all night long with the angel of God (Jesus). The dawn was about to break. Jacob knew, as did the Lord, that the morning light would bring Jacob's death if the angel did not leave. (No man can see the face of God and survive.) And so the angel entreated Jacob,

And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

The questions are already in your own mind.

"How about me? Am I ready to do business with God like that?

Do I want God that much? Am I willing to get alone with Him,

get authentic with Him?" If you are willing -- He is willing to meet you there at the place. My dear friend, you only (always) have two choices with God. Trust Him or don't trust yourself. If you want Him as much as Jacob wanted Him, then you only have one choice. Trust Him.