Day 3: God is faithful

DAY 3/40

Jacob was a wrestler. Literally and metaphorically almost throughout his life. From the moment he was born, he grabbed his twin brother's heel and even up to his adulthood he lived as a deceiver. By default, Jacob would have deceived anyone- even his brother and his own father to get what he wanted. He trusted no one but his tricky schemes and sly moves to secure himself and live the life he was promised to live - a blessed life. Actually, this man met God and was promised to live a prosperous life (see Chapter 28). Jacob heard of the "what" - the blessed life, but he missed out on the "how", so he lived most of his life trying to take care of himself, protect his family and understandably but sadly become the only person whom he felt that he can depend on.

Doesn't that feel familiar? We get so caught up in life and someway somehow - we've gotten to embrace that idea that we can depend on no one but ourselves. We love to celebrate independence and self-care. And like Jacob, we all have the tendency to put our faith on ourselves and we carry the burden to lived blessed. But despite Jacob's attempt to live the blessed life, he caught himself in trouble. His twin brother brought with him an army to meet up with Jacob. He was scared to death for the revenge of his brother so he made arrangements to save his possessions, his family and himself. This man was strategic! But his reality still looked bleak. When he was left alone (v.24), a certain man wrestled with Jacob. He realized that it was God (Who took the form of man). I find this more than comforting because God knew the condition of his heart. Jacob was full of fear and probably terribly anxious for his family. I love how God still showed up to Jacob at his lowest point. I'm not sure why would God initiated a wrestling with him, but that doesn't diminish the truth the God was available for him.

And today's verses are highlighted because this passage documented the first time that Jacob finally and completely believe that it is God's role to bless him, not his. And so Jacob wrestled and grabbed on to God, not to manipulate Him like how he used to live among others, but with all of his soul, mind, body and strength he had chosen to trust and desperately prove his faith unto God even if it would cost his dear life.

God was moved by his tenacious faith! God blessed him. In the same way, God delights over us whenever He finds faith in us. I wonder how He patiently waits for us to let Him take care of us. I'm not promoting laziness or us being irresponsible, please don't hear what I'm not saying. The point is, God is so faithful and He's available to us. He's our heavenly and good Father. Have we truly believed that? Because if we do, then we can live with unshakeable peace and security. It's not yet too late to trust God completely. We are called to fully engage in life of faith, believing Him with our soul, mind, body and strength. I pray that God will find us faithful.

Truth: God is faithful

What is God asking you to believe Him for?

How am I trusting God? Have I taken God's role to take care of me?

Have I put faith in what I can do or on what God can do?

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