Wrestling With God

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY JUNE 8, 2002
(Genesis 32:22-29)

But during the night he got up and wakened his two wives and his two concubines and eleven children, and took them across the Jordan River at the Jabbok ford, then returned again to the camp and was there alone; and a Man wrestled with him until dawn. And when the Man saw that he couldn't win the match, he struck Jacob's hip, and knocked it out of joint at the socket.

Then the Man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn."

But Jacob panted, "I will not let you go until you bless me."

"What is your name?" the Man asked.

"Jacob," was the reply.

"It isn't anymore!" the Man told him. "It is Israel--one who has power with God. Because you have been strong with God, you shall prevail with men."

"What is your name?" Jacob asked him.

"No, you mustn't ask," the Man told him. And he blessed him there.

Wrestling with God. We must learn how to wrestle with God for His blessings. The deep things of God are available to those who want them bad enough. How serious are you today about receiving ALL of God's blessings in your life? There are three levels of blessings. The first are general blessings available to everyone. The Bible tells us that "it rains on the just and the unjust". The second are family blessings. These are blessings available to those within the family of God. Lastly, there are special blessings. These are available to those in the family of God who desire the deep things of God, ALL that God has. To be a recipient of God's special blessings, you must demonstrate to God how serious you are.

God sovereignty chooses who to bless in special ways, and is looking for those who are hungry for all He has to offer. Too many of God's people are satisfied eating hamburger, when they could be dining on filet. Jacob wanted to be blessed by God, and wasn't going to settle for anything less. He knew what he wanted, didn't give up until he got it, and then finally received his blessing from God.

Before you can wrestle with God for the special blessings, you must know what you want. Paul knew what he wanted... to be like Christ. Unfortunately, most Christians don't really know what they want. We have to be specific with God. God is a specific God. He didn't just tell Noah to build a boat. He gave him every last detail. He didn't just tell Moses to build a tabernacle. He told him every single detail. But once you know what you want, you have to be willing to not give up until you receive it. We live in such an age of instant gratification. Drive through food, fax machines, cell phones, FedEx, 24-hour banking... we want it now and aren't willing to wait.

One reason we may have to fight for what we want, is in that time of fighting, the Lord is purifying us. As we wrestle with God, He is purifying us, cleansing us, preparing us to receive His blessings. Finally comes the blessings. God loves to bless His children. The Bible says, "..and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have enough room for it." The blessings we receive flow from God's abundant grace and endless love for His children. God is in the blessing business!!!!

Do you want God's blessings in your life? Are you willing to wrestle with God for a night? A week? A month? A year? Or are you going to just accept things the way they are. It is time to get as serious with God about our blessings as we do in wanting other things. People of the world get focused on their goals and sacrifice everything to achieve them. Unfortunately, the things of this world are temporary, but the things of God are everlasting. If we work so hard for things that last but a short time, why don't we work that much harder for those things of God that will stand the test of eternity?

I will be praying for you today. Praying that like Jacob, you are serious enough about God's blessings, that you will do anything, even wrestle with God until He blesses you. The deep things of God are available to those who want them bad enough and are willing to do whatever is necessary to receive all God has for their life. He loves you, He cares about you, and He wants to bless you. Now it is up to you to show God how serious you are.

I love you and care about you. Thank you for your encouragement and support as we share with people worldwide each day the love and hope of Jesus Christ!

In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller

If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at bkeller@liveprayer.com.

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