Bible Reading Blog
“Wrestle with God”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Genesis 28-32
After 20 years working for his uncle, Jacob found himself in an uncomfortable position. He couldn’t return to Laban’s house, and he had no idea what was in store for him at his father’s house. At this crossroads, we see Jacob learning from his experiences with man and God. Over the last 20 years he had received a taste of his own medicine from Laban. But Jacob also perceived God’s hand in his prosperity (Genesis 31.42). Jacob had grown to trust and appreciate God’s direction. So, his choice to go home was an act of obedience (Genesis 31.13; [28.10-22]). That didn’t mean he was necessarily happy about it; but it did mean he was positioned to rely upon God.
When Jacob heard that Esau was coming towards him with 400 men and unknown intentions (Genesis 32.6), Jacob stopped to pray. He was afraid (32.7); but instead of letting that consume him, he filled his mind with God’s promises (32.9, 12). He realized God’s abundant grace towards him and his unworthiness to receive any of it (32.10); and yet God had given it to him because of His covenant faithfulness. It is upon this that Jacob makes his plea (Genesis 32.11-12).
Later that evening, Jacob found himself wrestling with a man (32.24). Jacob seemed to have the upper hand although the man knocked his hip out of place (32.25). As the man tried to leave, Jacob demanded a blessing, which is given by the man (32.26-27). But Jacob was not content. He pressed the man for his name but was denied (32.29). The man’s refusal was understood by Jacob as a Divine response in which Jacob was granted mercy and allowed to live (Genesis 32.30). He had ‘striven with God and with man, and prevailed’ (32.28); but he was not unchanged.
This moment was a turning point in Jacob’s life. His name and his walk were obviously different; but more profoundly his understanding was changed. He could strive with God, but he would not be the same. And that’s exactly what needed to happen for him to find peace with himself and others.
Like Jacob, we face difficult seasons as we live by faith. In our minds, we see a path forward, but it usually involves very little change on our part. When seasons persist and peace seems evasive, this can cause anxiety and fear. Perhaps we need to wrestle with God. It is not enough to simply tell God what you want. You must pound that against his promises and faithfulness. You must bend your wants and stretch your mind to see his purposes. You must realize that your way is not always the best way. It is powerful that God hears and helps those who trust him… but he does not change. The experiences we face, if tempered with time spent with God, will change our understanding and our desires. There is great peace in knowing that even though things will not always go according to plan, God works all things together for good.
"The mind of a person plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." (Proverbs 16.9)
