God is always testing our dedication; especially when we are left alone, when nobody but God sees us. There, He looks to see what we’re made of.
One thing God looks for is integrity. Often times He sees something else. So He allows the Holy Spirit to tug on our heart, seeking to bring conviction. He gives us an opportunity to change our attitude and disposition. In reality, He looks for us to wrestle so to say—or engage in the battle of our soul—to discover truth and receive His grace; His blessing and His honor. As we engage with Him, He turns our greatest fears into the greatest of joy.
RELEVANCE
Jacob had just gotten word that his bitter brother’s army was heading his way. Scripture says he was “greatly afraid and distressed.” He was totally beside himself, tormented in fear. He feared the worst would happen. In the evening he was confronted by the Angel of God. He left that engagement empowered to reign and rule as a prince of God.
“Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”
But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
So He said to him, “What is your name?”
He said, “Jacob.”
And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel (prince with God); for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed…And He blessed him there” (Genesis 32:7-29).
Jacob persevered with God. He was awarded the highest honor any person could be awarded. God blessed him, gave him strength and a great promise that gave him hope.
REFLECT AND RELATE
What thoughts go through your mind during times of great distress? Meditate on how God may be seeking to engage with you for a specific purpose. Try Him. Wrestle a bit. Bring His Word before Him. Persist until He brings His sweet assurance.
REFERENCES
Genesis 33:1-12