Genesis 32:22-32 (Sermon) Wrestling with God: Finding Blessing in the Midst of Struggle

Thanksgiving

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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

(Start with a short story about perseverance, but make it more relatable to their context):

I once met a woman who had lost everything – her home, her job, her family. She was living on the streets, struggling to find food and shelter. But she never gave up. She kept fighting, kept believing that things would get better. And slowly but surely, with the help of God and the support of others, she began to rebuild her life.

This woman's story reminds us that even in the darkest of times, we can find the strength to persevere. Even when we feel like giving up, God can give us the resilience to keep going. And that's what we see in Jacob's story today.

(Transition to the scripture)

In Genesis 32, we find Jacob facing a struggle of his own, a wrestling match with God himself. He's afraid, uncertain, and carrying the weight of his past mistakes. But through this struggle, he encounters God in a powerful way and emerges with a renewed sense of purpose and identity.

Wrestling with Go and Finding Blessing in the Midst of Struggle… these aren't new concepts for the believer. Throughout history, God's people have faced trials and tribulations, opposition and adversity. We see it in the scriptures, from the Israelites wandering in the wilderness to Jesus facing the cross. And we see it in our own history, from the struggles of slavery and segregation to the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

But here's the key: our hope is not found in our circumstances, but in the God who is with us through every struggle. Our strength is not in our own power, but in the power of the Holy Spirit that resides within us.

(Draw on examples from scripture and history)

Think about the Israelites, facing seemingly impossible odds against Pharaoh's army. Yet, God parted the Red Sea, making a way where there seemed to be no way.

Think about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (a bad negro), thrown into a fiery furnace for their faith. Yet, God protected them, showing that even in the flames, He is present and powerful.

Think about our ancestors, who endured the horrors of slavery and the injustices of segregation. Yet, they held onto their faith, singing songs of hope and freedom, knowing that God would ultimately deliver them.

Think about the civil rights leaders, who faced violence and opposition as they marched for equality. Yet, they persevered, fueled by their faith and their unwavering belief in a better future.

(Connect to the present day)

(Open-ended questions to engage the audience, tailored to their context)

How many of you have ever felt like giving up, like your situation was just too much to bear?

Have you ever experienced a time when God met you in the midst of your struggle?

What does it mean to wrestle with God when you're facing challenges like homelessness or hunger?

Historical Context

(Connect the listener to the text)

Jacob is running from his past, afraid of what the future holds. He's alone, vulnerable, and wrestling with his fears and anxieties.

This resonates with our own human experience, doesn't it? We all have moments when we feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life. We worry about our families, our finances, our health, and the state of the world. We carry the weight of past mistakes, and face an uncertain future.

(Connect to the audience's experience)

Many of us are feeling the weight of current events – the unfortunate but usual report of crime, the economic instability, the racial tensions that divide our nation, the deep skepticism and uncertainty of a our elected officials. It's easy to get caught up in the negativity and lose sight of God's presence in our lives.

Do I have a witness!

(Transition to the encounter with God)

In this passage, Jacob is alone by the Jabbok River, wrestling with his fears and anxieties. This location is significant. The Hebrew word for "Jabbok" (Yabbok) is related to the word for "wrestle" (ye'abeq). This linguistic connection emphasizes the struggle that Jacob undergoes at this place. The Jabbok is described as a "ford" or shallow crossing, suggesting a place of emptying or pouring out. This symbolizes Jacob needing to let go of his past, his fears, and his self-reliance before he can move forward into the new life God has for him.

Sometimes God has to lead you to your Jabbok to get you to a place where he can embrace you.

(Emphasize the parallel to the present day)

Think about it, church. We, as a nation, as a people, are being forced to confront our own Jabbok right now. We're wrestling with deep-seated fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. We're being challenged to let go of old ways of thinking and embrace a new way of being. This is our opportunity to be transformed, to emerge from this struggle with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper reliance on God.

(Transition with Romans 12:2)

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 when we step away from the chaos of the world and seek God in the quiet places of our hearts. It's when we're stripped bare, wrestling with our fears and uncertainties, that God can truly begin to reshape us, rename us, and position our minds on him. And that's what we see happening with Jacob in this passage.

Theological Context

(Focus on the struggle and relate it to the audience's experiences)

Imagine Jacob, alone in the darkness, wrestling with an unknown opponent. This wrestling match symbolizes the struggles we face in our lives, especially when we're dealing with homelessness, hunger, or other challenges.

(Draw comparisons to the difficulty of their situations)

Just like Jacob, you may be wrestling with feelings of hopelessness, despair, and fear. You may be struggling to find food, shelter, or a sense of belonging. But in the midst of this struggle, God is at work, offering you His presence, His comfort, and His strength.

(Step 1 - Esau as a symbol of opposition)

Esau represents the challenges and obstacles that come our way. Like Jacob, we may try to appease these challenges with our limited resources, our time, and our energy. But these challenges can distract us from seeking God and relying on His provision.

(Step 2 - Waiting in worry and distraction)

When we allow our challenges to consume us, we begin to worry and lose sight of God's plan. But Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore 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 overwhelming.

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!

Come here, Esther! She wrestled with fear and risked her life, teaching us to stand for justice and trust God with the outcome!

Come here, Paul! He wrestled with persecution, imprisonment, and weakness, proving that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness!

Come here, Mary! She wrestled with the unknown, embracing God's call even when it seemed impossible, showing us the power of surrender!

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!

(Step 3 - God's intervention and reminder)

In the midst of our struggles, God steps in to remind us of His presence and His love. Be mindful however. He may allow us to wrestle until we recognize our need for Him, until we surrender our own efforts and rely on His grace. Just as Jacob's hip was touched, God may allow us to experience a "divine touch" that reminds us that we are not alone.

Jacob had to wrestle with God in order to take his mind off Esau. Even in the wrestling, he had to be broken in order to get his new name. We may be broken by our circumstances, but God can use those broken places to bring healing and transformation. But in order for us to receive our blessing, we have to PRESS. Say it with me: P.R.E.S.S.! (Pray, Reflect, Engage, Surrender and Stand)

Applicable Points

(Adapt the applicable points to resonate with the audience's experiences)

Pray

Persistently seek God's face through prayer, even when you feel lost and alone.

(Scripture Reference): Genesis 32:22-24a - "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. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone..."

(Connection to scripture) Just as Jacob wrestled with God, we too must cry out to God in our struggles, seeking His comfort and guidance. The best place to do this in in prayer. More importantly its to do it alone with no distractions.

(Application) Even when you feel like you have nothing left, you still have prayer. Talk to God about your fears, your worries, your needs. He is listening.

Reflect

Examine your heart and your choices, allowing God to show you areas where you need to grow.

(Connection to scripture): If you notice in our text, there's no mention of Jacob focused on God initially. There's no mention of the blessings that he had already received. Jacob was left alone and troubled. I suspect that in that moment, Jacob had to confront his past mistakes. He was thinking about Esau and what he had done to him.

(Application) We all have things in our lives that we need to let go of. Past mistakes, regrets, hurts, and habits that hold us back from experiencing God's fullness. Just like Jacob, we need to take time for honest self-reflection. Ask God to help you forgive yourself and others. Allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any areas where you need to realign with God's will. This process of reflection may be painful, but it's essential for growth and healing.

Engage

Don't give up on yourself or on God. Keep seeking help, keep fighting for a better future.

(Scripture Reference): Genesis 32:24b-26 - "...and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 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. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.”

(Connection to scripture) Jacob didn't give up, even when the wrestling was hard. We can't give up either. Keep seeking God, keep trusting Him.

(Application) Take advantage of the resources available to you. Seek out job training, housing assistance, and other programs that can help you get back on your feet. What ever you do, don’t “you” be the reason why it doesn’t get done.

Surrender

Let go of your need to control everything. Trust that God has a plan for your life, even if you can't see it right now.

(Scripture Reference): Genesis 32:28-29 - "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.” 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.

(Connection to scripture) Jacob had to surrender to God's power. We need to do the same. Let go of your worries and anxieties. Trust that God is in control.

(Application) Give your burdens to God. Trust that He will provide for your needs. Be open to new possibilities and opportunities.

Stand

Stand firm in your faith, even when things are tough. Remember that God is with you always.

(Scripture Reference): Genesis 32:30-32 - "So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 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.

(Connection to scripture) Jacob walked away with a limp, but he also walked away with a blessing. Our struggles may leave scars, but they can also make us stronger.

(Application) Don't let your challenges define you. You are more than your circumstances. You are a child of God, loved and valued.

Conclusion

(Lead the people to the cross with a powerful and emphatic close)

(Summarize the sermon)

We've seen today that our journey with God can be a wrestling match.

It's a struggle against the challenges of the world, our own doubts, and our fears.

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. H

e 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! and Amen! (God bless you all)

Invitation to Christian Discipleship

Brothers and sisters, we've seen today that wrestling with God is not something to be feared, but rather an opportunity for growth, transformation, and blessing. Just as Jacob emerged from his wrestling match with a new name and a deeper understanding of God's purpose, we too can emerge from our struggles with a renewed sense of identity and a stronger faith.

But this transformation begins with a decision, a choice to fully embrace God's presence in our lives.

(1) The Call to New Life:

If you've never experienced the transformative power of God's love, if you're tired of wrestling alone and long for a new beginning, today is your day! Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He sees your struggles, your fears, and your doubts. He offers you forgiveness, healing, and a place in His family. Will you answer His call today?

(2) The Call to Return:

Perhaps you once walked closely with God, but somewhere along the way, you lost your focus. Life's challenges, disappointments, or distractions may have pulled you away from your faith. Today, you can choose to return to your first love. God is waiting with open arms, ready to restore your relationship and renew your spirit. Will you come home today?

(3) The Call to Connect:

For those who are already walking with Christ, perhaps you're new to our church family or visiting from another congregation. We invite you to connect with us, to become a part of this community of faith. We are here to support you, encourage you, and walk alongside you on your journey. Will you join us as we seek to grow together in our love for God and our service to others?

Benediction

May the God of all comfort and strength be with you now and always. May you go forth from this place with a renewed sense of hope and purpose, ready to embrace the struggles that lie ahead, knowing that God is with you every step of the way. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forevermore. 1 Amen.