As We STRUGGLE. . .

Biblical Passage: Genesis chapter 32

Every struggle we face is an opportunity to Encounter God. It is in this season that we find ourselves broken and in need of a Savior. Our victory over life's adversities is not because we are wise nor strong. Our victory comes from the Lord.

Jacob struggled with God and he was blessed when he stood the test. God didn't come to Jacob just to have wrestled with him. He did it on purpose! But He didn't just came by surprise and blessed Jacob either! So are all our struggles in life. When Jesus left his human status on earth, he left with a word that in this world, we will experience struggles, adversities and alike. Everything that happens to our lives is never without the knowledge of our Father. Even Job experienced life in difficulty with the all-encompassing knowledge of God.

In all these struggles, our attitude should be like that of Jacob. His words, "I will not leave you until you bless me," speaks of a yearning from God to turn the situation to his favor. What God tells us with the problem at hand? How will we learn from these? What will we become out of these? The blessing depends on how we react on the situation. The problem itself will not make or break us, but our attitude towards it does!

Looking into the words of Christ when He said, "Take heart, I have overcome the world," (John 16:33) is such a comfort to the disciples and to us who are called. Victory is WON! He is Risen from the dead! We are made automatic Conquerors through the Victory of Christ at the cross.

Jacob was changed after his encounter with God. When faced with many struggles in life, be it financial, relationships with parents, siblings, leaders, friends, etc., school, or even ourselves, we should be changed for the better after we've overcome the test because it is the only concrete manifestation of an inward victory.