Today’s Reading, Genesis 32-34
Focal Scripture: Genesis 32:25 “When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob’s hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip.”
What type of personality do you have when things become difficult? Some people have an attitude of panic and frustration. When things don’t go according to plan they are unable to think clearly and make appropriate decisions. Other people thrive in difficult situations. The more pressure they are under the better they perform. These people want the success of victory but are also willing to take the blame of defeat.
In today’s reading Jacob is about to met Esau. They haven’t seen one another for a very long time. In preparation of this meeting Jacob brings many gifts in honor of his brother. Jacob decides to send the gifts ahead of him and we are told he is alone. While he was alone Jacob got into a wrestling match with a male stranger. Jacob was so determined to be blessed by this man he would not quit fighting. The man was so convinced about Jacob’s tenacity he struck his hip socket and commanded to be let go by Jacob. However, Jacob still didn’t quit until he was blessed. Jacob was not going to give up until he got a favorable blessing.
We have much to learn from this encounter between Jacob and the Angel. First, we learn that Jacob had a deep need that only God could meet. We also learn that Jacob was passionate to hear from the Lord. He was never going to stop until the Lord showed up in a major way. Jacob had tenacity and a plan. That plan was to pursue the Lord with every part of his being.
So what about you? Do you pursue the Lord with that type of devotion? Imagine what would happen in your life if you pursued the Lord and never gave up. I can tell you what would happen. Doors would open up personally and spiritually. God would see your faith in action. God would see how determined you are to know him and be blessed by him in your life.
The challenge I have for you today is to pursue God more than you pursue anything else in your life. Grab ahold of him and refuse to let go. Do you have a prayer that needs answered? Grapple with the Lord. Do you have a need that seems impossible. Be persistent and make the Lord cripple you until you let go of him and he answers your request.
We miss much because we don’t do hard things in our walk with God. The difficulty is part of the growth process. The struggle builds spiritual muscles that will impact you and others. Do difficult things and never let go of the Lord.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 35-37
