When I read this passage, this verse really struck me...
Then the man said,"Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:28Jacob was indeed a man who struggled greatly. From being a spoiled momma's boy and a smart-aleck deceiver, he was forced to leave his family fearing Esau might kill him. He found refuge in the land of her mother's brother Laban- where he got a taste of his own medicine and where his struggles began. Through it all, Two things have made Jacob an over comer...
1. He saw God as a blesser
Jacob's knowledge of God was mainly that He was a blesser. He saw this in the life of his own father and was probably told about how his grandfather Abraham was blessed by the same God. This truth was confirmed when God appeared to him in a dream. Just like his Daddy and Grandpa, God promised that He would bless him. It is no surprise that Jacob insisted for God to bless him even in the middle of wrestling match. He knew that whenever God appeared blessing is surely up for grabs!
2. He knew how to persevere to get what he wanted.
For seven years he worked for Laban just to get the hand of the woman he loved, Rachel, Laban's younger daughter. After their wedding night, he found out that he had slept with Leah! Laban has deceived him saying that it was customary for them to let the eldest daughter marry first and Leah was older than Rachel. So again, Jacob labored or another seven years! He endured it, all because He wanted Leah really bad.
The good life will never be served to us on a silver platter. Yes, even for us Christians who have a "good God" who loves to bless. If we want it, we have to work for it. I apply this in every area of my life. If I want a good and happy marriage, I need to compromise and to talk disagreements through though sometimes it might be painstakingly hard. If you want good grades, you must study well and go the extra mile by reading lessons in advance. If you want your business to thrive, you must continue to improve your product and know how to adapt to changes.If I have a dream or a vision I can't just expect for it to drop from the heavens. Instead, I will work on it with God's guidance and and Be confident that HE will bless my endeavors whatever obstacle comes along the way.
3 comments:
So true = )I always love these bible stories. Could remember the time when I was little and my parents would read them to me.
Excellent reflections Wendy. You got it straight from your heart. Thanks for the post. God bless you always my friend. Please take care of yourself and your baby.
Hi Wendy! I stumbled upon your blog site and find your thoughts very refreshing. I am an off and on bible enthusiast hence, my difficulty in understanding its underlying meaning and relating it to daily living. I have found clear understanding in the way you explain this verse. So, thank you! God bless you and your baby :)
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