The secret to power with God

Genesis chapter 32 is a marvellous illustration of how God works in our life and shapes our character.  God works all things together for our good, to take us up to higher levels in our spiritual life, to where we will no longer rely on our natural abilities and strength to get things done but where we see the anointing and power of God at work and outworked.

Genesis 32 opens upon Jacob the day before he is to meet up with his brother Esau after decades of hostile estrangement.   30 years earlier Jacob had had to run for his very life after an enraged Esau learned that Jacob had deceived their father Isaac into giving him the firstborn birthright that rightfully belonged to Esau. 

There is nothing like strained relationships to bring us to our knees before God.  Prayer softens our hearts and dissolves resistance.  In Psalm 50:15 God says, “call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”   No matter what happens you can trust God to be faithful to His loving character and his loving word.

Genesis 32:24. Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.  Most of our victories are achieved by being alone with God.  God meets us at whatever level He finds us in order to lift us to where He wants us to be.  Jacob had spent most of his life wrestling and scheming; with Isaac, Esau, Laban and others.  God wanted to show Jacob the futilily of his own self-will.  God wanted to bring Jacob to the end of himself. 

Sometimes our struggles are intended by God to bring us to the end of ourselves.  You may be in a situation which unless God comes through for you you feel that you won’t make it.   It may be that God is wrestling with you to bring you to the end of your own abilities and great ideas.  God is on your side – you cannot be overcome!  Romans 8:37.  Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. (NLT)

Jacob would not let go of God until God blessed him (Genesis 32:26) and God blessed Jacob right there and then. (Genesis 32:29). 

Spiritual victories can only be attained through spiritual means.  The secret to power with God is in surrendering to God.  It is a paradox that He will make us weak to make us strong.  2 Corinthians 12:9. God said to the Apostle Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (NKJV) 

Don’t let go of God wrestling with you until He blesses you; don’t let go until you see your breakthrough; until you gain your victory.