Genesis 32:22-32 (Sermon) Wrestling with God: Embrace the Struggle

Wrestling with God • Sermon • Submitted 6 months ago • Presented 6 months ago

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This sermon explores the story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32, highlighting the transformative power of struggle in the Christian life. It encourages believers to embrace their challenges, knowing that God uses those experiences to shape their character, deepen their faith, and draw them closer to Him.

Notes

Transcript

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: Embrace the 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 relatable story about perseverance):

Think about a time when you faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Maybe it was a health scare, a financial crisis, or a difficult relationship. In those moments, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, to want to give up, to wonder if things will ever get better. But I believe that within each of us lies a wellspring of resilience, a strength that we may not even know we possess until we're tested.

That inner strength, that ability to persevere in the face of adversity, is a gift from God. And it's something we see beautifully illustrated in the story of Jacob.

(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. This thought brothers and sisters perplexed me and had me wonder aloud;

Wrestling with God...embracing the 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, 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)

And today, brothers and sisters, we face our own struggles. We wrestle with uncertainty, with fear, with the challenges of a world that often seems out of control. But we are not alone. God is with us, offering His strength, His comfort, and His guidance.

(Open-ended questions to engage the audience)

What are some of the challenges and uncertainties that weigh on our hearts today?

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

How can we learn to wrestle with God in a way that brings blessing and transformation?

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

Our text this morning forces us to imagine Jacob, alone in the darkness, wrestling with an unknown opponent. This wrestling match symbolizes the struggles we face in our own lives, especially when we feel surrounded by negativity and uncertainty.

(Draw comparisons to the challenges of the current times)

Just like Jacob, we may be wrestling with feelings of fear, anxiety, and discouragement. We may be tempted to give in to the negativity and lose hope. But in the midst of this struggle, God is at work, offering us His presence, His comfort, and His strength.

(Step 1 - Esau as a symbol of the world's challenges)

Esau represents the challenges and distractions of the world that threaten to overwhelm us. Like Jacob, we may try to appease these challenges with our own efforts and resources. But these efforts can distract us from seeking God and relying on His power.

(Step 2 - Waiting in worry and distraction)

When we allow the world's problems to consume us, we begin to worry and lose sight of God's promises. 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 the world feels chaotic.

(Insert personal experience)

I'll be honest with you, church. This past week, I felt that chaos myself. I allowed the world's news and information to supersede my global focus. I allowed the media and the frenzy of the election cycle to make me forget where my loyalty truly lies. And as a result, when the day was over, I was devastated. I felt like giving up, past reminders of mistakes and hardship were at the forefront, I wanted to hunkering down, and preparing myself for the worst. I heard the inspiring sermon by all three Rev. Dr. Wallers, but yet I still worried. I still had deep concern.

I know that seems strange coming from the preacher. You might be thinking, "If the leader had doubts, then what about me?" But my brothers and sisters, I failed because I tried to wrestle the moment alone and win on my own. I failed because for a moment I gave up my hope and relied on the hope offered by others. I allowed myself to be consumed by the distractions and forgot to keep my eyes fixed on God.

One moment I was walking on water and the next I was sinking

One moment I was pulling out my sword ready to fight and the next I denied my very existing

I walked the walk and talked the talk, but after the judgement I hid in an upper room doubting it all

And I know that I am not alone in this. We all face moments when we lose our focus, when we allow the world to dictate our emotions and cloud our judgment.

(Transition back to the main point)

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!

No matter the example they all were blessed when they embraced their struggle.

(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. 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 redirects our focus and renews our hope.

(Closing the segment with strong questions)

Don't you know that God can use your challenges to draw you closer to Him?

Don't you know that God wants to give you a new name, a new identity, a new perspective?

But in order to receive that new name, we must embrace our struggle. Embrace our doubts and fears and seek God's face.

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 the challenges of life, 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.!

That means we have to 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 overwhelmed by the world's problems.

(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): If you back up in our scripture to Genesis 32:11 you find that Jacob again was alone with God. We also see and learn that he was a praying man. In this portion of the text again he’s alone and he prays for deliverance “from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I am afraid of him;” It's in our alone place where God meets us for prayer. It's when we get the distractions away from us, for a time step away from family and friends when there is only room for God and you. It's the beginning stage of embracing our moment. Just as Jacob wrestled with God, we too must cry out to God in our struggles, seeking His peace and guidance.

(Application): Bring your worries about your family, your finances, your health, and the state of the world to God in prayer. He cares about every detail of your life. "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)

Reflect: Take time to examine your heart and your priorities. Are you focusing more on the world's problems or on God's promises?

(Scripture Reference): Genesis 32:24a - "Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak."

(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.

Its said that from the beginning Jacob held the heal of Esau to prevent him from exiting the whom first.

Jacob deceived his own father, Isaac, to steal his brother Esau's blessing.

Jacob continued his pattern of manipulation when he worked for his uncle Laban.

His life was filled with challenges all stimming from a bad relationship with this brother.

These past mistakes weighed heavily on Jacob's conscience. He was forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the deep-rooted flaws in his character. This is a crucial step in the process of transformation.

(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 let fear and negativity paralyze you. Get involved in your community, serve others, and be a light in the darkness.

(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): How many of you have a "don't let go until you bless me" praise? How many of you, in your struggle, know that our God is still able to bless you if you just hold on? Jacob didn't give up, even when the wrestling was hard. We can't give up either. Keep seeking God, keep trusting Him.

(Application): Look for ways to make a positive difference in the world. Volunteer your time, support those in need, and be an agent of God's love and peace. Don't allow the challenges of the world to make you withdraw. Instead, engage with your community and be a source of light and hope.

Surrender: Let go of your need to control everything. Trust that God has a plan, even when the world seems chaotic.

(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): Don't you know that our blessing comes by way of surrender unto God? Our breakthrough comes from our ability to see our insufficiency. You see, Jacob thought that he could stall the moment by sending gifts. He displayed in that moment a lapse in judgment. 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 work all things for good. Be open to new possibilities and opportunities. Surrender your need to control every outcome and rest in the knowledge that God is working all things for your good.

Stand: Stand firm in your faith, even when the world feels shaky. Remember that God is your rock and your refuge.

(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): The text says he got a new name. I think his new name came with a new walk. That walk also came with a limp, a reminder of how awesome his God was. It's almost a form of swag, a stroll, but more importantly, all jokes aside, the text says, "So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, 'For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.'"

(Application): 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. Don't let the challenges of the world shake your faith. Remember that God is with you always. He will give you the strength you need to overcome any obstacle. Stand firm in your faith, knowing that you are a new creation in Christ.

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.

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