Inbetween the battle and the blessing

Focus Scriptures: Genesis 32:24–29

There is a powerful space, that place in between the battle and the blessing.  This dimension is often uncomfortable, uncertain, and a lonely time which may cause us to question ourselves and even God.   In Genesis 32, Jacob finds himself, wrestling through the night.  Determined for a blessing, he would not give up.  This wrestling was sacrificial and left him with a limp.  However, this wrestling produced a breakthrough.  Undeniable change.  Jacob left that divine encounter with a new name and a new way forward. 

Like Jacob, many of us face modern-day “wrestling moments.” In contemporary times our wrestling  is not just physical.  Often, we wrestle spiritually and  like Jacob if we just hold on, remaining determined, if we do not give up we too will come out changed.  Our wrestling can also be termed as wilderness, a night season or even a time of waiting.  Despite turmoil, there is great opportunity in the wilderness.  Exodus 3 tells of Moses being developed for purpose, 1 Kings informs how Elijah was strengthened and received provision in the wilderness and books of the New Testament illustrate how Jesus triumphed through the wilderness, even at His weakest, He stood faithful, resisting temptation and showing us the way.

Through the night season we should worship, even praise Father God Almighty, for He is with us, He will never leave us nor forsake us, and because we know all things are working together for the good of those that love the Lord.  Psalms reminds us that even though we walk through the darkest of nights we should fear no evil, for God is with us, His rod and staff are our comfort.  Still, waiting can cause us to become restless. If we lose focus of who is in control.  We must remember God is in the midst of all things. In the beginning there was God, His is indeed Alpha and Omega, the Author and Finisher, the Founder and Perfector of our faith.  We must be confident in His will and in His way for our lives.   Afterall He alone is the one who form, sanctified and appointed us unto His good work.  Wrestling rather than resting signifies a lack of faith.  Waiting impatiently, demonstrates a lack of faithfulness and trust in our sovereign God, dwelling in a state of restlessness can cause us to try and take things into our own hands.  It can lead to the birthing of Ishmael,  a product of our flesh will that opposes the promise of God . (Gen 21:9).  Perhaps we can glean from Habakkuk, For he was deeply burdened and raised his cry and petition to God.  Most significant he waited upon the Lord and learned that things of faith are for an appointed time and they do not lie. 

“Persistence through difficult seasons measures our faith on a scale between our flesh will and God’s Kairos.”  Between the battle and the blessing we must remain faithful even through the wilderness, trusting God in our night season.  If we must wrestle it will be against the powers and rulers of darkness, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, while we await the fulling of the promise of His word.  If He said it, He shall surely bring it to pass.  Our responsibility is to sit on the promise, to internalize the promise and to wait with great expectancy of the appointed time.

For in between the battle and the blessing is Breakthrough

Below is Paul’s encouragement to hold dear:

 “We are hard pressed on every side, but we did not crush; we may be perplexed, but we are not in despair; we may be persecuted, but we are not abandoned; we may be struck down, but we are not destroyed” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Let us Pray

Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, I open my heart to You in complete surrender.  Lord, please help me in this space where I find myself between the battle and the blessing.  Lord, You alone are my strength when I feel weak, so I ask that You give me strength to endure.  Dear Lord remind me that You are working even when I cannot see it and even when I cannot feel it. Lord let my hope be renewed and add unto me Your sustaining power, that I may persevere and hold on until I am transformed by Your grace. Thank You Father God, in the Mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

Scriptures for reflection:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – appointed time

Psalms – deliverance from affliction

Isaiah 26 3 – steadfast trust equals peace

Isaiah 40: 31 – Renewed strength

Psalms 66:12 – trail leads to rich fulfilment

Philippians 1:6 -  God will complete His good work