Identity redefined

Genesis 32:22-32


Sometimes we have to go through a time of wrestling, where something has to be sacrificed (Jacob's hip) for God to bless us. Do not let go, no matter how much wrestling you are going through - something has got to change.


Psalm 27:14 - wait expectantly on the Lord.


In Luke 18 we hear of the story of a widow who continues to ask an unjust judge for justice. He doesn't grant her what she wants, but she continues to come to him, and so he gives her what she wants. Jesus told this story to explain to the disciples that they need to continually pray and not give up.


We go through situations- many unexplainable. Romans 5:3-4 explains that we can glory in our sufferings! You can glory in your wrestling! In you struggling! It says in scripture that suffering brings about perseverance, perserverance character, and character hope. James 1 is similar where we are told to count it all joy!! These situations count as joy! For in these trials our faith is being tested producing perseverance, becoming mature and complete not lacking in anything! These trials work for a greater purpose- not to take us out- but to develop- God will use these things for our good! Peter says that when our faith is tested we will come out as pure gold...we need to go for gold- trusting that the Author and Finisher of our faith is building us up! 


With such an encounter that Jacob had with God, you can not leave the same way- and in our times with God- trials or no trials, we can not leave the same way and as our character is developed, our identity is redefined. Nations were released from Jacob as his identity was transformed to 'Israel'...what's waiting to be birthed out of you?