Good morning y’all. Today we in chapter 32 of Genesis. In this chapter we see Jacob continue on his journey to Canaan, he sends gifts to his brother and he wrestles with God.

Be blessed 🙂

God is always with us as we go along our journey in life. In v1 and 2 we see Jacob meet with Angels of the Lord. He recognised them and said this is God’s camp. Perhaps the angels were sent to protect him and make sure he got to canaan safely. Gods presence and favour will never depart from us. Psalms 91:11 says He will give his angels charge over us to guard us in all our ways. God knew of what was ahead of Jacob and I guess he wanted to assure him of his presence hence the angels

Jacob sent messengers to his brother to appease him and hopefully find favour in his sight. Unfortunately Jacobs attempt to bridge the gap didn’t work. Instead he was told Esau was on his way with 400 men! Jacob become afraid. He divided his family into two camps. Then he prayed to God for help. Let’s disect the prayer 🙂

1) “Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my grandfather Abraham, and God of my father, Isaac” –  He acknowledged God as the God of his forefathers. This shows the timelessness and agelessness of God (not sure there is such a word as agelessness but hey who says I can’t create my own word 🙂 ). He was still the same God who made covenant with Abraham to bless him and make his descendants great, then again with Isaac his father to also bless him and make his descendants great. Hebrews 13:8  tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

2) “O  lord , you told me, ‘Return to your own land and to your relatives.’ And you promised me, ‘I will treat you kindly.'” – He was reminding God he didn’t start this journey as a result of his decision, rather as a result of obedience to Gods instruction.
When we walk in obedience to Gods instruction, we might experience some challenges but take heart knowing that He who has called us is faithful and will also bring to pass what He has said. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

3) “I am not worthy of all the unfailing love and faithfulness you have shown to me, your servant” –  He humbled himself knowing that he didn’t deserve anything he had. Isaiah 66:2 says 
“My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the lord , have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.”(NLT)

4) “When I left home and crossed the Jordan River, I owned nothing except a walking stick. Now my household fills two large camps!” – He thanked God knowing that all he had was from God. James 1:17 tells us every good and perfect gift comes from the father above.

5) “O  lord , please rescue me from the hand of my brother, Esau. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children.” –  He presented his request – deliverance from Esau. He pleaded for God to rescue him from Esau not just for him bit for his family sake too. Psalm 34:17 tells us when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

6) “But you promised me, ‘I will surely treat you kindly, and I will multiply your descendants until they become as numerous as the sands along the seashore—too many to count” –  He finished by reminding God again of his promises to him. God will never go back on His word. If he he has said it he will do it. Jeremiah 1:12 tells us God watches over his word to perform it.

Let’s learn from Jacob today. He took his problem to the only one he knew could help. Grumbling, murmuring or complaining wont fix the situation rather let’s remind God of what he has told us concerning the situation and watch him come through for us. Be encouraged 🙂

Jacob wrestled with a man until day break. Jacob was persistent, he refused to give up. Could this be related to our struggles in life? Do we give up immediately the struggle becomes too much or do we persevere to the end? In Jacobs case, he persevered and eventually he prevailed.

Jacob refused to let the man go unless he blessed him. He had prevailed but he wanted something to show for it. The man asked for his name and then changed it from Jacob to Isreal. He was being transformed from a deceiver and a supplanter to a ‘prince with God’,  one who fought with God and men and have won.  Jacob finally got his true blessing. Not the one he cheated Esau out of, but his own blessing obtained honestly by wrestling with God. It came at cost though – a broken hip.

Whatever struggle you are going through today I encourage you to persevere to the end. Lean and hold on to God, surrender to God and watch him transform your life and give you a new identity in him. It might come at a cost but it will be worth it in the end.

Prayer:
Dear Lord we thank you for today. We thank you for your word. We thank you for always being with us even when we are not aware. We ask today for the grace to trust you more and rely on you for everything we need. Give us the grace to hold on even in the midst of our struggles.  For as many that are discouraged, Lord pls encourage and comfort them today. Let them know you are with them and will see them through victoriously. Thank you Lord, In Jesus Name.

Thanks for joining today

I am blogging through the bible with Good Morning girls. Check us out at http://www.goodmorninggirls.org

Have a blessed Wednesday and remember God is always with us 🙂

***With God all things are possible***