Have you ever struggled? Struggled with a relationship, finances, your weight? Struggled with a decision—choosing between your way or God’s way? Or maybe even with faith itself, wondering how God could be good with so much hardship happening around you?
I know the feeling. One of the deepest struggles I’ve faced was trusting in God’s goodness after experiencing the heartbreaking loss of my son to SIDS. I can still remember the rawness of those moments: yelling, crying, and wrestling with God. It felt like I was struggling alone, silently holding pain that no one else could understand.
In reflecting on my own struggles, I found deep encouragement in the story of Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-32). Jacob’s story is about much more than a physical struggle; it’s about an internal wrestling with identity, sin, and faith. Jacob’s encounter with God teaches us some powerful truths about working through our struggles.
1. Perseverance in the Struggle:
Jacob wrestled with God all night and refused to give up, even after being injured. His persistence shows that prevailing isn’t about overpowering God but about enduring with faith. We often face the temptation to quit when things get tough, but Jacob’s story reminds us to keep going, even when it feels painful, because God works through perseverance to bring us to a place of blessing.
There were moments in my own life when I wanted to stop praying and give in to the grief. But God showed me that holding on, even when I felt weak, was where I found His presence the most. He was in the struggle with me, helping me see that I wasn’t alone.
2. Transformation Through Struggle:
The real victory for Jacob wasn’t winning a fight against God, it was the transformation that came through the encounter. He entered the night as Jacob, the deceiver, but he emerged with a new name: Israel (Genesis 32:28), which means “God Fights.” His transformation didn’t just change his identity, it deepened his relationship with God.
God used my own struggle to transform me as well. In my lowest moments, He reshaped my faith, moving me from questions and doubts to a deeper trust in Him. Transformation doesn’t come from avoiding struggles but from allowing God to change us through them.
3. Dependence on God:
Jacob left the encounter physically weakened, walking with a limp for the rest of his life. This limp symbolized that his strength wasn’t in himself but in his dependence on God. Jacob’s prevailing came not from his abilities but from his surrender to God’s power and blessing.
In my journey, I’ve also learned that my strength comes from leaning on God, not trying to carry my burdens alone. I used to think I had to be strong, but God has shown me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
In essence, Jacob’s prevailing wasn’t about overcoming God but about faith, perseverance, and surrender. His story teaches us that God meets us in our struggles, not to leave us as we are but to transform us and help us rely on Him.
Whatever you are wrestling with today, remember that God is with you in the fight. He sees the good He has for you on the other side and will help you get there. The struggle isn’t wasted; it’s shaping your faith, transforming your heart, and strengthening your relationship with Him.
Take a moment today to bring your struggle before God in prayer. Hold on to Him, even when it feels hard, and trust that He is working all things together for your good. Your blessing is on the other side…keep persevering.
A song of encouragement:
Sure Been Good ~ Elevation Worship
4 thoughts on “I Choose Today to Prevail”
Lord, help me keep my eyes on You, knowing that you are with me every step of the way and that I will be transformed into the image of Christ as I lean on you.
Amen. He is right there with us in our struggle. We just need to recognize that and lean into His strength ❤️
“He was in the struggle with me, helping me see that I wasn’t alone.” Thank you for this today, my friend.
The Lord knows and cares for each of our struggles.