The Fire Behind Struggles

THE LORD SPOKE UNTO MOSES:

 

"Say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts be faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them.

And what man is he that hath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it? Let him also go and return unto his house, lest he die in battle, and another man eat of it. And what man is there that hath

betrothed a wife, and hath not taken her? Let him go and return unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man take her."

 

To not be afraid, negligent, or ignorant to enjoy the fruits of one's toil brings about completion of mission, vision, or desire. God created man, surely He understands that desires and longings will only find rest in fulfillment. It is the man or woman who persists at every age who finds life. In and out of battle; at work and at play; in the arms of a lover; at the foot of the Cross where man implores God.

 

Still anyone selected out for life has hope, for, as they say, "A living dog is better than a dead lion." The living at least know something, even if it it's only that they're going to die.

But the dead know nothing and get nothing. They're a minus that no one remembers. Their loves, their hates, yes, even their dreams, are long gone.

There's not a trace of them left in the affairs of this earth. Ecclesiastes 9:4-6 The Message.

 

Who would struggle with GOD? Who would be honest, naked and earnest enough to confront the LORD his God with all that he is, with all that he is not?

Who would love GOD enough to be real with Him? Who could grasp GOD enough to dare to believe that what we see is not enough, that there is more?

Who would ask GOD to prove Himself if He says He is really God? Who would tell GOD that it is unfair? Who would bear his heart out before GOD?

 

But Jacob stayed behind by himself, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he couldn't get the best of Jacob as they wrestled, he deliberately threw Jacob's hip out of joint.

The man said, "Let me go, it's daybreak." Jacob said, "I'm not letting you go 'til you bless me." The man said, "What's your name?" He answered, "Jacob."

The man said, "But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it's Israel (God-Wrestler); you've wrestled with God and you've come through." Genesis 32:24-28 The Message.

 

He was named Jacob at birth. The name Jacob means schemer or conniver. And he lived as one right up to that daybreak, where he faced up to who he was. Yet lying behind his acknowledgement of his identity as Jacob, was a deep-seated desire to be blessed for who he is; no more stolen birthrights, no more fear of repercussions and pain of being deceived. He wanted more, but first he had to confront himself. Jacob chose to wrestle with his ill-gotten destiny, and because he did, God was pleased to make him anew, baptising Jacob into a new name, new life, new destiny, of Israel. A name that carries the promises that GOD made to his forefathers, Abraham and Isaac; and one that would define his people who would come after him. Underneath our struggles lies the next dawn, if only we do not become resigned to fate.

 

 

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