Jacob had deceived his father Isaac to obtain the blessing, after having taken his brother’s birthright through selfish means. Despite all this God had remained faithful to His promises to Abraham. Indeed, God had foretold that it would be Jacob whom He chose (Genesis 25:23). Yet, Rebekah, his mother, nor Jacob waited and rested upon God to do this. Instead he took possession through trickery and deceit. It would be necessary for Jacob to be broken before he could become a blessing for God. He fled in fear from his brother; yet, God met him along the road and promised that he would return to the land one day (Genesis 28:16-19). Ah, but you see the vow he made to God that day was insufficient. In a sense he like we too often do, placed conditions upon his worship.
Jacob’s vow to God, “If you do this for me, then will I worship you.” (Genesis 28:20-22). It would be many years before he returned. He would need to be broken first. For in the land with Laban, Jacob met his match concerning deceit and trickery. Still, God blessed Jacob, more because of God’s faithfulness than that of Jacob. He had become content with his wealth and his position in the land of Haran. So, God allowed a conflict to arise, driving Jacob out of the land to return to home. Still, Jacob had not learned to trust God with his future, at least not yet. Fearing his reunion with the brother, he divided up all that he had just in case his brother destroys one group, he would have the other. Alone Jacob met with God that night.
Broken to Become a Blessing
That night, Jacob wrestled with God. Some say that it was an angel he wrestled with that night. However, others say that it was the preincarnate Christ, because, Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved” (Genesis 32:30). That night his thigh was left out of joint by God. He would walk with a limp leaning upon a staff. Instead of meeting his brother the next day with strength, he now remained with a permanent hip displacement. No longer could Jacob rely on his own strength to accomplish his plans. Now, he was forced to trust God.
That night, God changed his name from Jacob (meaning deceiver) to Israel (meaning May God Prevail). He now must rely only upon God to prevail for him. No longer could he rely on his own strength and prowess to succeed. God will accomplish His plan. If that requires His breaking you first of your “self”; then, he will. In fact, we can never be the person God intends us to be until we die to self, that He might live.
for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:… yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Isaiah 46:9-11
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
What are you struggling with today? Are you and I willing to be completely broken that God might make us a blessing for Him? Will you trust Him to accomplish His plans in your life? Before Jacob could be a blessing, he had to be broken of his self will. Are you and I willing to be broken that we might be a blessing, dying to self and trusting Him with all our heart as our greatest treasure?
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?
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Recently released Books Available
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ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY
A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.
WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”
Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.
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OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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