Jan 14 - Gen. 31-33

Wow! What history! There are so many lessons as you read. Remember that this blog and your reading is not just for history’s sake, although it is very interesting, it is for God to speak to us through His word every day. There are pearls that are intended for each of us. Dig – dive – do whatever it takes to hear God speak to your heart in the passage.

I had to dig a little myself today to find meaning for me. I found it! Why did the man wrestle with Jacob? AND, if He was an Angel of the Lord (remember Jacob said that He wrestled with God), why didn’t He (God) prevail?

Jacob was not a man of war. He was fleeing from Laban and was scared to death of Esau. God had protected Jacob from harm through His providence and not through battle. Jacob needed to battle! He needed to be battle hardened! Maybe God wanted to show him that he didn’t need to deceive and swindle anymore – I don’t know. What I do know is that if God wanted to overcome him with one swift move, He could have, but He didn’t. Jacob needed to battle and win. He needed to wrestle with himself and overcome something in order to become Israel.

God knows what I need, and sometimes it is battle. Jacob didn’t start the fight, the man came to him, and neither do I need to look for a fight. When the fight comes, whether physical, mental or spiritual, I have to fight – all night if need be – not giving up – expecting a blessing. Only then will I be ready for my future – and it’s a great future!