Wrestling with God

Along with free choice, a sinful nature and thousands of years to develop that nature, comes a dangerous tendency to take matters in our own hands. How many walk the road of life in their own strength, not even caring that there is One who's one desire is to walk with them and guide their path? Oft times also, the blessed of history, those who have invited Jesus to walk by their side, forge ahead and lead the way - pretend to lead the Saviour, the Creator in the way which they feel is best. They, we, I, wrestle long and hard with temptation and put up a tempestuous fight against sin. When we fall, our very life is poured out seeking forgiveness and peace. We cry and moan in butter agony, pleading with God to make us clean and holy and good. Why? When the Christ is right beside us, longing with all His heart to be allowed to do His good work freely in our lives. 

When Jacob was returning from Laban's country and he heard that Esau was coming out to meet him, he freaked out. Carefully he divided his company and planned their forward journey to protect those he loved the best. He did all in his human power to appease his brother and then he turned to the King of Kings for assistance. We are told that he desperately sought a transformation of character and he cried and prayed all night. Till, in the morning, the Son of Man appeared unto him and lay His hand on Jacob's shoulder. The moment when God was about to bless Jacob and give him his petition, Jacob struck out in self defence, thinking some enemy sought his life. Finally, Jacob's eyes were opened and he realised who he was really fighting against. Now, in complete confession of his unworthiness, and a deep trust in the faithfulness of God to fulfil His promises, he prevails against the Angel and is divinely blessed. 

That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through self-surrender and steadfast faith. {CC 67.6}

Self-surrender and steadfast faith are the keys to the storehouses of divine blessing. If we would but take them in hand, the world would be different.