WRESTLING WITH GOD (GENESIS 32)

Saturday, November 22, 2008

He was the riverboat gambler of the patriarchs. Twice he dealt hidden cards to his dull-witted brother Esau in order to climb the family tree. He once pulled the wool over the eyes of his own father. He later conned his father-in-law. Yes, Jacob had a salty reputation. For him the ends always justified the means. His feet were just fast enough to keep him one step ahead of the consequences.

That is, until his own cunning caught up with him. He was finally forced to face up to himself and to God.

Jacob isn’t the only one to wrestle with self and God because of past antics.

All of us at one time or another come face to face with our past. Jacob did, and the way he dealt with it is worthy of imitation. The best way to deal with our past is to hitch up our pants, roll up our sleeves, and face it head on. No more buck-passing or scapegoating. No more games. We need confrontation with our Master.


(Taken and adapted from Max Lucado's splendid book, GOD CAME NEAR)

13 comments:

Charlotte said...

Max always has good advice, and so do you. Good post.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Thank-you for this post. I hope that I have faced all of my past with him. As of today I try to live my live like if the Lord will be here tomorrow.
Your music is so pretty I always enjoy listening to it.

Ginger

Cherdecor said...

I studied the life of Jacob last year and I think that it was filled with good lessons for us. Facing our past was not one that I thought of. (Even though I have faced my past) Thanks for posting it.Great post!
Blessings,
Cheryl

Joyfull said...

I love reading Max Lucado's books. What a great truth you shared. Thank God when we face our past, we face a loving Savior who will always put us on the right path.

Ruthie said...

Such good thoughts for us all.
Happy Spiritual Sunday.
Ruthie

Amanda said...

More than that...Our Past needs confrontation with HIS past...THE CROSS!!!

This is good. I'm burdened the morning for all those who "think" they have had that confrontation because they've said a "prayer", but no change has resulted in their hearts.

Lord, I pray that those who read this today will have a confrontation with your past, The Cross, and will truly slay their past and make "The Cross" their future.

God bless you Clif...have a blessed Lord's Day.

SmilingSally said...

Well said. Thank you, Cliff.

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

I love Jacob. He's so human. God bless you and best wishes for a happy Thanksgiving, Cliff. I enjoyed your post.

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

He was the riverboat gambler... :) who wouldn't want to read on with a starting sentence like that Clif, you are so wise :) I may have to look for this book now, it sounds too good to put down ;). Wonderful words today Clif.

May God bless your day and a wonderful Thanksgiving to you!
Kathi :)

Ms.Daisy said...

I have written my first Spiritual Sundays post. Thanks for the advice! I will be thinking about next week's post already.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Clif,
Max always has such good advice for everyone. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your straightforwardness! Enjoy your Thanksgiving this week with your family!

Blessings,
Sandi

Joyfulsister said...

Hi Pastor Clif,
You are so right.. face it head on and move ahead knowing that each mountain is a step to greater things with the Lord!! Love this post, and thank you for always being such an encouragement to me, you bless so much.

Blessings and prayers for a wonderful week ahead.
Lorie

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

I heard today was your birthday Clif! I hope you have a wonderful day and don't eat too much cake! You're not getting older, you're getting wiser!

Blessings to you!
Kathi :)