Genesis 32:22-32 (Sermon) Wrestling with God: - Education

Thanksgiving

Giving honor to God!, Pastor, Leaders of the Church, Congregation, Brothers and Sisters in Clergy, Family and Friends and Wife (Queen)

Scripture - Ge 32:22–32

22 The same night he got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.

23 He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had.

24 Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.

25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.

26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”

27 So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”

28 Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.”

29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.

30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.”

31 The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.

32 Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the hip socket, because he struck Jacob on the hip socket at the thigh muscle.

The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989, p. Ge 32:22–32.

Wrestling with God: Finding Blessing in the Midst of Struggle

Prayer

Let us pray! Heavenly Father thank You for using me in Your ministry! Thank You for guiding me thus far and granting me Your grace! Even now, Lord, You know the purpose for which I have come to You. Decrease me, and increase you. Holy Spirit fill me with grace, anointing, and power so that I can preach Your word boldly and with authority. I'm unworthy Lord! But make me worthy by cleansing me and filling me with Your Holy Spirit. Amen!

Introduction

I knew someone who trained for a marathon. Week after week, they pushed themselves, running further and further, even when their legs ached and their lungs burned. There were days they wanted to quit, days they doubted they could finish. But they kept pressing on, driven by the goal of crossing that finish line. And you know what? All that hard work paid off. Not only did they finish the race, but they discovered a strength and resilience they never knew they had.

That marathon experience, witnessed secondhand, still taught me a valuable lesson: breakthrough often comes through perseverance, through embracing the struggle. And that's a lesson that applies to our spiritual journeys as well.

How many of you have ever felt like giving up on something that seemed too difficult?

Have you ever experienced a struggle that ultimately led to a breakthrough in your life?

What does it mean to wrestle with God?

Historical Context

In our text, we find Jacob at a pivotal moment in his journey. He's fleeing from his brother Esau, whom he deceived years earlier. He's returning to his homeland after many years away, unsure of what awaits him. He's carrying the weight of his past mistakes and facing an uncertain future.

This space Jacob is in resonates with our own journeys, doesn't it? We all have moments where our past catches up to us, where we feel the weight of past choices and uncertainties about the future. Jacob's fear of rejection and his anxiety about what lies ahead are emotions we can all relate to.

Audience Connection

Some of you may have faced doubts and discouragement in your academic journeys. Perhaps you've encountered those who questioned your abilities or made you feel like you don't belong. But remember, God sees beyond those negative comments. He sees your potential, your gifts, and the purpose He has for your life.

In this passage, Jacob has sent his family and possessions across the Jabbok River. He's alone, vulnerable, and wrestling with his fears and anxieties. This isolation sets the stage for a powerful encounter with God that will change the course of his life. And just like Jacob, when we find ourselves in those lonely, vulnerable places, we are ripe for a transformative encounter with God.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

This transformation, this renewing of our minds, often begins in those challenging, vulnerable moments. It's when we're stripped bare, wrestling with our fears and uncertainties, that God can truly begin to reshape us. And that's exactly what we see happening with Jacob in this passage.

Theological Context

Imagine Jacob, alone in the darkness, wrestling with an unknown opponent. This wrestling match symbolizes the struggles we face in our own lives, especially as we navigate the challenges of theological education.

Just like Jacob, you're wrestling with difficult concepts, demanding assignments, and the pressure to succeed. You may be facing personal challenges, financial burdens, or the temptation to give up. Many of us are in a fog based on this troubling election cycle. Im here to tell somebody today that in the midst of this struggle, God is at work, shaping your character and preparing you for His purposes.

We all got something thats just off the horizon threatening to encroach on our space. To disrupt the norm flow of life. Esau represents the distractions and oppositions that come our way. Like Jacob, who gave gifts to try to appease these distractions we often indulge in our distractions by giving of – our time, our attention, our energy. But these distractions can pull us away from what truly matters: our relationship with God and the work He has called us to do. The work we are being prepared to do.

DO I HAVE A WITNESS!!!

When we allow distractions to consume us, we begin to worry and lose sight of God's plan. But Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34, "….do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." We must learn to trust that God is in control, even when our circumstances feel chaotic. Amen!

We may feel tempted to give up, to lose hope, or to turn away from God. But God often allows us to wrestle with these challenges to deepen our faith and draw us closer to Him.

Don't believe me? Come here, Job! Stripped of everything, he still wrestled with God, teaching us to hold onto faith even in the face of unimaginable loss!

Come here, David! He wrestled with giants, enemies, and his own failings, showing us how to pour out our hearts to God in the midst of turmoil!

Maybe David and Job don’t do it for you. Well come here, Esther! She wrestled with fear and risked her life, teaching us to stand for justice and trust God with the outcome!

That might be too old for you then Come here, Paul! He wrestled with persecution, imprisonment, and weakness, proving that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness!

Come here, nameless woman with the issue of blood! She wrestled with years of suffering and social stigma, yet her persistent faith brought healing, reminding us that God sees and responds to our desperate cries!

Hang in there! - Finding Blessing in the Midst of Struggle

In the midst of our struggles, God steps in to remind us of His presence and His purpose for our lives. He may allow us to wrestle until we recognize our need for Him, until we surrender our own efforts and rely on His strength. Just as Jacob's hip was touched, God may allow us to experience a "divine touch" that redirects our focus and renews our commitment to Him.

But in order to get that new name, we must wrestle with the work He has called us to do. As Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

Jacob had to wrestle with God in order to take his mind off Esau.

(if i was a better preacher you would have shouted)

You have to wrestle with God to take your mind off anything thats not of him and preventing you from achieving your goals here at RICE.

Jacob, even in the wrestling, he had to be broken in order to get his new name.

Instructors if your not pushing your students your not doing your job. Students its not meant to easy because you are being stretched.

Instructors and Students are being broken daily so that God can give us a new name, so that He can use us to the fullest of our capabilities.

As Isaiah 62:2 promises, "The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give."

Do I have a church!

But in order for us to Finding Blessing in the Midst of Struggle, we have to PRESS. Say it with me: P.R.E.S.S.!

That means we have to Pray, Reflect, Engage, Surrender and Stand.

Applicable Points

(1) Pray: Persistently seek God's face through prayer, even when you feel distant or uncertain.

Just as Jacob wrestled with God throughout the night, refusing to let go until he received a blessing, we too must persevere in prayer, bringing our needs, fears, and desires before God. Even when we feel like our prayers aren't being heard, we must hold on to the belief that God is listening and working in ways we may not see. (Genesis 32:24-26)

Make prayer a priority in your daily life. Set aside specific times for focused prayer, and don't be afraid to pour out your heart to God. Bring your struggles, your doubts, your joys, and your anxieties to Him. Remember that prayer is not just about asking for things; it's about cultivating a relationship with God, seeking His presence, and aligning your heart with His will.

(2) Reflect: Examine your heart and motivations, allowing God to reveal areas for growth.

Jacob's wrestling match forced him to confront his past, his fears, and his own identity. Similarly, we need to take time for self-reflection, allowing God to shine a light on the areas of our lives that need transformation. This may involve facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves, but it's through this honest self-examination that we can grow in our faith and become more like Christ. (Genesis 32:27-28)

Regularly set aside time for introspection and self-evaluation. Ask God to reveal any hidden sin, pride, or areas where you're not fully surrendered to Him. Read the Bible with a discerning heart, asking how it applies to your life. Seek feedback from trusted mentors and friends who can offer honest perspectives.

(3) Engage: Actively participate in the process of transformation, embracing challenges and seeking truth.

Jacob's wrestling match was not passive; he actively engaged in the struggle, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. Likewise, we must actively participate in our spiritual formation, embracing the challenges of our studies, relationships, and personal lives as opportunities for growth. This requires intentionality, discipline, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. (Genesis 32:24)

Don't shy away from difficult subjects or challenging assignments. Seek out opportunities to learn and grow, even if they stretch you beyond your current capabilities. Engage in meaningful conversations with those who hold different perspectives. Be willing to wrestle with tough questions and seek truth with an open mind and heart.

(4) Surrender: Release your own plans and desires, trusting God's guidance and provision.

Jacob's encounter with God forced him to relinquish control and surrender to a power greater than himself. Similarly, we must learn to let go of our own agendas and trust in God's plan for our lives. This requires humility, faith, and a willingness to follow God's leading, even when it doesn't make sense to us. (Genesis 32:28)

Practice daily surrender, releasing your worries, anxieties, and need for control to God. Seek His will in all things, trusting that He knows what is best for you. Be open to unexpected detours and changes in your plans, recognizing that God may be leading you in a new direction.

(5) Stand: Stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is with you through every struggle.

Even though Jacob was injured in his wrestling match, he emerged with a new name and a blessing from God. Likewise, we may experience setbacks and challenges in our faith journey, but we can stand firm in the knowledge that God is (Immanuel). That means He is with us. With us through it all. He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He will give us the strength we need to overcome any obstacle. (Genesis 32:29-30)

Cultivate a deep and abiding faith in God's love and faithfulness. When doubts or fears arise, remember the promises of Scripture and the testimonies of those who have gone before you. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can offer support and encouragement. And above all, trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain you and guide you through every season of life.

Conclusion

We've seen today that our journey with God is often a wrestling match. It's a struggle against our own doubts, fears, and distractions. But it's also a struggle with God Himself, a grappling for His blessing and a deeper understanding of His purpose for our lives.

(Transition to the cross)

And in this struggle, we find ourselves face to face with the ultimate example of surrender and sacrifice: Jesus Christ on the cross.

He wrestled with His own doubts and fears in the Garden of Gethsemane.

He faced the ultimate opposition, the powers of darkness and death.

And He surrendered His will to the Father's will, even unto death on a cross.

(Emphasize the power of the cross)

But through His sacrifice, He conquered death and opened the way for us to experience new life, a transformed life, a life marked by His grace and power. What a beautiful day that was.

He gives us a new name, a new identity as His beloved children.

(Close with a call to action)

So let us embrace the wrestle, knowing that through it, we are being shaped into the image of Christ.

Let us PRESS into our faith, seeking His face, surrendering to His will, and standing firm in His love.

And let us go forth from this place with renewed strength and courage, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that God is with us always.

Amen!