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HOW TO WRESTLE GOD AND WIN

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Sep 30
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Genesis 32:23-33

Psalm 17:1-3,6-8

Matthew 9:32-37

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There is evil in the world, and such evil can work to keep people down. But I believe that no evil will overpower anyone who is determined to break free from them. The devil cannot hold you down unless you grant him access. This reflection is not about the devil out there. Let me explain. Take a look at Jacob for a moment. He had a tattered reputation of deceit, greed and rebellion. But he learnt his mistakes through his divine encounter and the sufferings he endured under his father-in-law Laban (Read Genesis 30:25-31:20). Now, free from his in-law’s grip, he wanted to chart a new and better course for his family.


At this time, he had a second divine encounter. Fortunately, this encounter was in the form of an angel of God. Jacob knew he was not about to take chances. He fought this angel to a standstill. They were engaged in a WWE-style wrestling match for hours, from night till daybreak. ‘Na de angel run las las.’ But persistent and insistent on changing his fortune, Jacob uttered the timeless prayer: ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ (Genesis 32:26). At this point, it was clear to God that Jacob was finally done with his long and fruitless situation-ship with sin and immorality. His submission to God signalled his liberation, and God blessed him with a change of name from Jacob to Israel (Genesis 32:27).


Here are some things you should take out of this experience:

  • No devil or village people can keep you bound if you are determined to be liberated from sin’s bondage.

  • Your biggest enemy is yourself. If you change your mentality about yourself and exchange your current community for a Christ-centred and inspiring one, you will be a different person in no time.

  • Don’t deceive yourself. Have the courage to change any habit that is keeping you bound.

  • You are not condemned to your sinful life. You can start afresh with Christ today.

  • By remaining in your sins, you have made the devil your lord and master. He is a tough boss who wants nothing more than your ruin (“He comes to steal, kill and destroy”, John 10:10).

  • Invest in a rich personality built on truth, kindness and persistent prayer (hold God on his trousers until He blesses you). Nothing can destroy a person whose life is founded on God Himself.

  • If you are a liar (truth is hardly on your lips), you are setting yourself up for destruction.

  • If you do not consciously study God’s word for yourself daily, the truth is not in you. At best, your life is built on half-truths, deception and silly opinions.

  • What you say of other is a reflection of your identity. We see people as we are.

  • If you build a reputation of pulling others down with your words, do not hope to find a safe pedestal to stand on.


Which of these speaks to your current situation?

                                                                                    JUDE-MARY OWOH



Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, guard me as the apple of your eye. Hide me in the shadow of your wings. Reveal your face and Your glory to me. Fill me with the sight of your glory. Amen.

  2. May God deepen His love in your heart and may all things work for your good today. Amen. God bless you always.

 
 
 

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