Time to Dream | The Struggle Behind Every Dream
The Dream.
(Genesis 28:11-22, NIV)
“I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.” “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will not leave.” Your only promise is to give God back tenth of all He gives you. What would you be willing to attempt?
The struggle with God and others stage.
(Genesis 32:22-24, NKJV; Hebrews 13:5-6, NKJV)
Jacob struggled most of his life up until now. (Hosea 12:3, NLT2) Think of your biggest conflict or struggle.
There are two basic issues:
Ask, “Will I obey God and do the right thing in this situation?”
Ask, “Will I trust God to take care of this situation?”
God allows us to struggle with the crisis until we are ready to allow Him to be not only in control but to obey and do what is right. Why does God allow these struggles if He loves us so much? Because we seldom change until the pain becomes greater than the fear of change.
The test stage: He tests before He blesses.
(Genesis 32:24-26, NIV)
God tested Jacob to trust Him. Jacob was worn and tired, but didn’t let go until he was blessed. Jacob became aware that he was not just wresting with some ordinary person, but with God. Many times, what we need more than anything else is to realize we are really wresting with God and we can’t win. Stop trying to do things your way and tell God He wins. God tests your faith by testing your sincerity. Many times, you miss the blessing because you give up too soon. (Galatians 6:9, NKJV)
The confession stage: The turning point.
Confession comes before change and confession builds character. God was more concerned about Jacob’s character than his comfort. Many times, God allows us to become uncomfortable to build out character It was as Jacob confessed that he really connected with God. You are never really bless-able until you wrestle with God to the point you see who you really are. (Genesis 32:26-29, NKJV; Psalm 31:19, NLT)
The celebration stage: Your new identity in Christ.
(Genesis 32:28, NKJV)
Jacob went from being called the deceiver/manipulator to Israel – Prince with God. God blessed him after his confession. (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV; Genesis 32:30-31, NKJV)
