Monday's Two-Minute Takeaway - Fighting with God

From Genesis 32:1-11, 13-21

v. 1-11. Jacob had a decision to make. His difficult life with Laban is finally in the past. But not all his past has been dealt with.

A 20 yr. old problem of his own making must now be faced. God does that for our good. Yes, we're moving on from the past but there are still things in the past that must be confronted for us to make more progress.

God let Jacob know He was with him in vss. 1-2, yet Jacob still concocts his own plan. He assumes the worst about Esau because his conscience is not clear between he and his brother.

When guilt from “yesterday’s” unfinished business catches up face it with God’s help. While He’s working on your beliefs, He’s also working on those stubborn behaviors to help you move forward.

v. 13-21. We, like Jacob can see God’s provision and protection - the host of angels - but still choose to trust our own plan. We wrestle to believe God is enough for this problem. Where might you be doing that?

So what do we do? Start with honest prayer and take your problems and fears to Jesus.

Next time we'll dig into Jacob's prayer some more, but for now,

Let's Take the Message Home

1. What are those things in your past that God wants to deal with to help you move on. Let Him. You can trust God with your past as much as with your future. Write down some things that might be "unfinished business". Things you ruminate over, feel uneasy about, are triggering, you feel guilty about, or sense you need to revisit and resolve. Now take them to God in prayer and seek His and trusted counsellor's wisdom for your next steps.