Holy Headlock!

Ever wrestle with God? I have. Wrestling with God usually takes place in the middle of a trial: a job loss, an unexpected death, an unrealized dream, a prolonged sickness. Recently, I read the account of Jacob's wrestling match with the Angel of God in Gen. 32:24-32. Take note of a few of the amazing things that take place in the middle of our God-struggles.

First, it's important to realize that God's ultimate purpose was to strengthen Jacob and not to crush him. God wanted to bring him to a higher level in his spiritual walk. And so, in order for all of this to happen...

1. God initiated the struggle. Notice that it says that the angel wrestled with him (not him with the angel). God had to bring Jacob to a point of yieldedness. In fact, it took all night! Jacob had to come to the end of himself. We must be emptied before God can fill us.

2. God refined him. I think it's interesting that the angel asks Jacob for his name. Obviously, God knew his name! Most likely, God did this because of what Jacob's name meant: deceiver. God wanted Jacob to come to grips with the sin in his heart. Spiritual greatness is always preceded by humility and a repentant heart.

3. God left His mark. After a long night of struggle, the angel touches Jacob's hip and knocks it out of socket. Ouch!! Why? I think he wanted Jacob to remember that his striving was worthless and that He was still much more powerful than him.

4. God blessed Jacob. God changed Jacob's name to Israel which means: "You have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." God's blessings didn't come in the form of great riches or status. Instead, God changed Jacob on the inside. He went from a deceiver to one who overcomes. Wow! Now that's blessing!

Are you currently in a holy headlock? If so, know that His heart is for you to experience His greatest blessing. He loves you. Yield to Him. He has great things in store for you!