You can’t fight with God

Your arms are too short to box with God

Read: Genesis 32

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Then the man said let me go for it is day break. But Jacob replied I will not let you go unless you bless me. Genesis 32:24, 26

Fighting with God

Jacob’s fight with God, as recorded in Genesis 32, was the tipping point in his life. Jacob deceitfully took advantage of his brother by taking his birthright, blessing, and even attempted to hold Esau back at birth Genesis 25:26. Jacob stole what was rightfully Esau’s - Genesis 27.

What’s in a name?

The name Jacob is a pun on the Hebrew word grasp – to take. So throughout Jacob’s life we read how he schemed and skillfully took things to “create” his future. But now he has reached the end of his abilities and God is seeking to take control of his life based on his adverse activities.  “The man” Jacob fights with all night was a supernatural being – God. Though Jacob stole from Esau the fight was not with his brother but with God. In the end God changed Jacob’s name to Israel which means “he struggles with God.”

Overcome inabilities

you can't fight with God

When I look back over my life, the images unveil my Jacob like tendencies of struggling with God. The mind combats with how sin, inabilities, and short comings made me unworthy for God to use. God continued to tug and pull the spirit hoping to get my attention. This is where the fight begins. I come to realize God does not look for brilliant or eloquent people. God seeks broken vessels like me, people who have judged themselves and reached their wits end, rock bottom, or the dead end.

Release your strongholds

It is obvious God could have taken Jacob’s life but instead he touched him in the strongest part of the human anatomy – the tendon near the hip – crippling Jacob. Jacob surrendered and asked to be blessed Genesis 32:25-28.

You are struggling with your past – jobs, family, marriage, or life. Let go and let God touch your strongholds. The things that are holding you back will become the deliverance and testimony that God will empower you to overcome and become a blessing to others.