In the book of Genesis, Jacob sought the approval of his brother, Esau. Determined to earn his praise, Jacob gathered a host of gifts for Esau, and he set them on the path before him en route to his brother. After hearing that Esau was on his way with 400 men, Jacob was scared. He divided his men and livestock into two camps. At night, he ushered his wives, maidservants and children across the brook to safety, but he remained behind. A man wrestled with him all night. Jacob did not give up because he wanted to earn the man's blessing. By daybreak, the man was tired of wrestling with Jacob, so he deliberately threw Jacob's hip out of joint. He asked Jacob to just let him go. Jacob continued to wrestle, determined to not let the man go until he had blessed him. The man asked him his name, and when he responded with, "Jacob," the man claimed, "
But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it's Israel (God-Wrestler); you've wrestled with God and you've come through.
" And he blessed Jacob.
Even after a painful injury, Jacob was so determined to earn the man's blessing that he persevered until he achieved it. His determination was rewarded. God says that He will "fight this battle for you" (2 Chronicles 20:15) and "equip you with divine power" (2 Corinthians 10:4).
Roadblocks are bound to happen. Often times, they will pop up when you least expect them. Regardless of what you are struggling with right now, if you will put your faith in God, He will "be your power in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). He can turn mountains into molehills, and He will do it if you are following His plan and guidance. Nothing is too difficult to overcome when you have Him by your side.
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