Podcasts about wrestling with god

October 26, 2025 | Watch and Listen Today! The post Genesis: Wrestling with God | Genesis 32 appeared first on Christ Point Church.

So if you're in a season of struggle right now, if you're questioning, crying out, or trying to make sense of what God is doing, don't run from it. Lean in. Wrestle. Press in. Because it's in that place, in the fire, in the questions, in the tears, that true intimacy with God is forged. And if this message speaks to you, I want to personally invite you to join us at Roar United, our monthly in-person training for Christian content creators who are ready to monetize their message, scale their business, and impact the Kingdom through their voice. It's more than just a workshop. It's a community of believers walking out their calling with strategy, support, and Spirit-led boldness.

Our relationship with God should be deepening, growing, and maturing. To grow spiritually is to wrestle our will with God's and for Him to come out victorious. This is hard work, but a necessary work to grow spiritually in our relationship with God. The question is: are you ready to grow and mature spiritually by wrestling with God? Key Verses: Hebrews 6:1-3

Send us a textThis is a message I shared at Timothy Lutheran Church on Sunday October 19, 2025 from Genesis Chapter 32. Thank you for listening!

God doesn't always give us what we want...

God doesn't always give us what we want...

This episode includes a Children's Message and the weekly sermon from Pastor Jeff Sorenson.

LUKE 18:1-8 This is the holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord. Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and to not lose heart. He said, in a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, grant me justice for my accuser. For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice so she may not wear me out by continually coming. And the Lord said, listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth? This is the gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ. Good morning. Good morning. My name is Jesse. I am the program innovator for Living Water Ministries. I've been working year round for Living Water for three years. Actually, last week I just celebrated my three year anniversary. So I've been on staff for three years, but camp has long been a part of my life. I was a camper through my whole childhood. I worked on summer staff. And now I am so blessed to be able to be part of the work that we do all year round. Before I talk about the gospel, I want to extend my gratitude to all of you. Faith and the people here have long been a part of camp and our programs. You have kids who come to camp, volunteers who can't come to camp and work with U.S. donors. Your pastor comes to camp every year. Camp is a really big part of this faith community. I also want to share with you a little bit about Living Water. For those of you who don't know us, the first thing that we do is summer camp. That's our main thing that we do. And during our typical weeks of camp, we have campers who are grades one through 12. And we do worship in the morning and we sing songs and we create this really, really special community for kids of all these ages. We have a couple of specialized programs. We have a week of camp for adults with developmental disabilities. We have a week of camp called Bridge Builders for high schoolers. And this is anti racism and leadership training. And new this year, we are launching a new program called In God's Image, which is a week of camp for LGBTQ high school youth. And coming up next Month we have Charge. Charge is a youth gathering for middle school and high schoolers, and this is at the Great Wolf Lodge. And Charge is an event that provides a powerful faith community where students get to develop leadership skills and grow in faith, all while having fun at the water park at Great Wolf Lodge. And because the love of Christ is abundant and freely given, Living Water believes that money should never be a barrier that stops a child from having a camp experience. So during COVID camp was closed for two summers, but this gave us the ability to give camp away for free in the summer of 2022. So every kid who came to camp in 2022 did so at no cost. And so since then, we have offered a tier pricing system to keep this equity going. So when families register their camper, they have the choice of paying full price, half price, or no price, no questions asked. It's just something that they get to select when they are registering their camper. So this and all of our ministry is made possible through generous individuals and congregations sharing their gifts with campers. Every year we hold our Run the Race campaign where runners and non runners alike come together and everybody commits to raising $2,000 and running a 200 mile relay race from Traverse City to Muskegon. So last month, we held our Run the Race event, and. And we raised over $131,000, which is so cool. And all of that gets to go to making camp the best place that it can be. And so why all this matters to you, why I'm telling this to you, is because of the people sitting in the pews with you. You have kids who come to camp. You have people who volunteer. Those campers become summer staffers. And your pastor is part of camp. The people at Faith sitting with you are super involved in the work that God does at camp. And we do all this because of the gospel. We do all of this work because of Jesus. So in the parable today, Jesus asks, asks us that if the people cry out to God, will he delay long in helping them? So if we cry out, will God help us? And honestly, sometimes it seems like God's not like he is delaying, like we've been crying out for quite some time and not hearing anything back. Because how long must we cry out until we finally see justice? How long must we cry out until we see an end of genocide? How long must we cry out until our black and brown siblings stop being kidnapped and murdered? How long until our children are safe in their schools? How long? Because sometimes it feels like we can't cry Any louder and still nothing. Jesus also asks, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? And I think that the answer to that is also no. If Jesus comes to earth today, do you think he's happy with all of this? Is he impressed with our faithfulness? And I don't think so. I think that this is so far from the image of the kingdom of Earth that God has planned for us. This is so far from God's plan of perfect discipleship. And where is the faith on earth? In the first reading, Jacob wrestles with God. And this isn't a short wrestling match. Wrestling matches, we know, are about, what, two minutes? You know, it's a couple minutes and someone counts to three, and then it's over. But that's not what this was. God came to Jacob in the night, and they wrestled until daybreak. And God even says to Jacob, let me go. But Jacob says, I will not let you go until you bless me. And when the wrestling match ends, Jacob overcame and God blesses him. But Jacob doesn't walk away completely victorious. He walks away with a limp. He walks away blessed and limping. And this is what our prayer and what our faithfulness is supposed to look like. It's supposed to look like this wrestling match where we are relentlessly clinging to God and not letting go until God blesses us, holding on despite the risks, despite the injury, despite the people telling us to give up, to let go, to go home, to hold on even though we will walk away with a limp. I could tell you 100 success stories about camp, about the kids who came to camp not believing in God and then left excited about Jesus. The kids who came their whole lives and became counselors, the kids who finally found a refuge and a home at camp where they could finally be themselves. But that's not what I'm going to do. I will be happy to share these stories with you after service. I have plenty of them. But right now, I'm going to share a story with you that left me limping. Last summer, I sent a camper home. He made it about halfway through the week. But after multiple attempts at running away and getting physical with another camper and with a staff member, we made the decision that he had to go home for the safety of other campers and for his safety. But that still hurt. I felt like I had just failed this kid. I was trying to be something for him, and I fell short. And I was beating myself up, thinking, are we really creating a place for all of God's children? Are we really doing this right? And really, the answer is yes. And I had to make the hard decision to keep people safe. And I told his mom when she came to pick him up that camp isn't a no for him. This isn't a no. It's a not yet. So when he's ready to come back, we are ready for him. We will be here, because that is holding on to God and not letting go until he blesses us. And so that is why we tell every single kid that the love of God is for them. We tell every single kid that they can come just as they are. Tell every single kid that there is nothing that they could ever, ever do that would make God love them less. And that is the wrestling that we need to be doing. And I'm not letting go of that. And I will be limping, and I will be blessed.

God doesn't always give us what we want...

Today we look at Genesis 32:22-31, a story about a man who wrestled with God – and prevailed, though not without cost. © Kate Heichler, 2025. To receive Water Daily by email each morning, subscribe here. Here are the bible readings for next Sunday

In this exploration of Genesis 32, we delve into the transformative encounter between Jacob and God. This pivotal moment in Jacob's life teaches us about the wrestling match we often find ourselves in with our faith. Like Jacob, we may try to manipulate situations and rely on our own strength, but God calls us to a deeper trust. The story reminds us that sometimes God allows us to struggle so that we can emerge stronger, with a new identity rooted in Him. Just as Jacob became Israel, we too can transition from being deceivers to those who strive with God. This passage challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we clinging to God's promises even in our brokenness? Are we willing to be vulnerable before God, admitting our true nature and allowing Him to transform us? The beautiful paradox of prevailing through surrender invites us to consider how we might need to 'limp' in order to truly walk with God.

Genesis 32:22a, 23b, 24-30 - The same night he [Jacob] arose and took his [family] and sent them across the stream …. And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”

In this week's deep dive, KB unpacks the powerful and complex story of Jacob and Esau, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. From the struggle in Rebekah's womb to the infamous moment when Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew, KB explores how this biblical tale reveals the consequences of impatience, deception, and misplaced priorities. Through clear storytelling and relatable insight, she highlights the difference between a birthright and a blessing, showing how God's promises are fulfilled not through manipulation, but through faith and surrender.Plus, KB shares updates on her Bible reading plans, upcoming Fed by the Fruit merch launch, and October's memory verse, Jeremiah 29:11, leaving listeners encouraged to walk in faith, hope, and trust in God's plan.This episode serves as both an informative guide to embrace a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, encouraging listeners to embark on their journeys with renewed vigor and compassion.Reach out to KB on Instagram and share your thoughts.

TODAY'S TREASUREThen the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:28Send us a comment!Support the show

This episode features a message from Pastor Jim Burgen, Pastor at Flatirons Church in Colorado, unpacking the themes, emotion, and truth beneath the words. Explore how the dialogue exposes identity, tension, and transformation—revealing what's often hidden beneath performance and image. Through honest reflection and real conversation, this episode challenges listeners to move beyond comfort, confront what's real, and step into deeper authenticity—the very heart of the Crucible journey.Here are some of the topics we cover in our podcast episodes: Radical honesty and grace Spiritual growth Discipleship Mentorship Personal development Life transformation Christian men's ministry Christian women's ministry Faith-based retreat Discover our other resources: Our Main Website Our Blog Online Life Coaching Christian Men's Retreats Christian Women's Retreats All content © 2024 The Crucible Project Podcast.

Sometimes you pray... and nothing happens. You’re asking for something good, but God isn’t budging. What’s happening? You might be wrestling with God.Maybe He’s been leading you to do something—and you’ve resisted... You won’t let Him into that one area of your life. You won’t break off that relationship that drains you spiritually. You won’t give up that habit that drags you down. You’re afraid to take that step of faith.Remember Jonah? God said, “Go.” Jonah said, “No.” And God said, “Oh?”If that’s you—you’re not alone. Even Jacob wrestled with God. His struggle began with resisting and ended with resting. He stopped fighting and started clinging—saying, “I will not let You go until You bless me.” Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 32 God’s plans are better than ours. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something, and no answer came? The Bible urges us to bring our needs to God.Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Wrestling with God is not necessarily a bad thing. “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."—Abraham Lincoln Hosea 12:3 (NLT)Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. Hosea 12:4 (NLT)Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him. Jesus is the Passover lamb in Exodus; in Numbers, He is the bronze serpent lifted up. A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Himself. Genesis 25:23 (NKJV)And the LORD said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, …And the older shall serve the younger." Psalm 139:14,16 The meaning of Jacob’s name isheel-catcher, contender, supplanter, grabber. God does not just see you for what you are, but for what you can become. God sees things differently than we do.We see failure, God sees potential.We see the past, God sees the future.We see sin, God sees restoration. Time showed that Jacob was a righteous manand Esau was an ungodly man. It’s not about how we start this race in life but how we finish it. It was not an easy road for Jacob, and that was his own fault. Hebrews 12:16 (NLT)Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. When we get tired of praying, we start scheming, and we make a mess of things. Rebecca sent Jacob to visit her brother, Laban.On the way there, Jacob had an encounter with God. All Jacob had to do was wait on God’s timing. Jacob met his match in his uncle Laban.The trickster met the trickster extraordinaire. We reap what we sow. Christians should try to live in peace with people.Romans 12:18 God meets us at whatever level He finds usand lifts us to where He wants us to be. God will come to you in just the right way.Hebrews 4:16 Read Genesis 32:24–30 Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Christ. We need to get away from all the distractions of life and get alone with God. When you get to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God. Now, instead of fighting with God, Jacob is clinging to Him. In surrender to God’s plan, Jacob found what he always wanted,the very blessing he asked God for. We win by losing.Luke 17:33 Genesis 32:28 (NLT)"Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."—Corrie Ten Boom Are you running from God?The good news is God is running to you. Join us for the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes you pray... and nothing happens. You’re asking for something good, but God isn’t budging. What’s happening? You might be wrestling with God.Maybe He’s been leading you to do something—and you’ve resisted... You won’t let Him into that one area of your life. You won’t break off that relationship that drains you spiritually. You won’t give up that habit that drags you down. You’re afraid to take that step of faith.Remember Jonah? God said, “Go.” Jonah said, “No.” And God said, “Oh?”If that’s you—you’re not alone. Even Jacob wrestled with God. His struggle began with resisting and ended with resting. He stopped fighting and started clinging—saying, “I will not let You go until You bless me.” Pastor Greg Laurie shares more in this message. Notes: Focus verse - Genesis 32 God’s plans are better than ours. Have you ever prayed and prayed for something, and no answer came? The Bible urges us to bring our needs to God.Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) Wrestling with God is not necessarily a bad thing. “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."—Abraham Lincoln Hosea 12:3 (NLT)Even in the womb, Jacob struggled with his brother; when he became a man, he even fought with God. Hosea 12:4 (NLT)Yes, he wrestled with the angel and won. He wept and pleaded for a blessing from him. There at Bethel he met God face to face, and God spoke to him. Jesus is the Passover lamb in Exodus; in Numbers, He is the bronze serpent lifted up. A Christophany is an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Himself. Genesis 25:23 (NKJV)And the LORD said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, …And the older shall serve the younger." Psalm 139:14,16 The meaning of Jacob’s name isheel-catcher, contender, supplanter, grabber. God does not just see you for what you are, but for what you can become. God sees things differently than we do.We see failure, God sees potential.We see the past, God sees the future.We see sin, God sees restoration. Time showed that Jacob was a righteous manand Esau was an ungodly man. It’s not about how we start this race in life but how we finish it. It was not an easy road for Jacob, and that was his own fault. Hebrews 12:16 (NLT)Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. When we get tired of praying, we start scheming, and we make a mess of things. Rebecca sent Jacob to visit her brother, Laban.On the way there, Jacob had an encounter with God. All Jacob had to do was wait on God’s timing. Jacob met his match in his uncle Laban.The trickster met the trickster extraordinaire. We reap what we sow. Christians should try to live in peace with people.Romans 12:18 God meets us at whatever level He finds usand lifts us to where He wants us to be. God will come to you in just the right way.Hebrews 4:16 Read Genesis 32:24–30 Jacob was wrestling with Jesus Christ. We need to get away from all the distractions of life and get alone with God. When you get to the end of yourself, you get to the beginning of God. Now, instead of fighting with God, Jacob is clinging to Him. In surrender to God’s plan, Jacob found what he always wanted,the very blessing he asked God for. We win by losing.Luke 17:33 Genesis 32:28 (NLT)"Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won." "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."—Corrie Ten Boom Are you running from God?The good news is God is running to you. Join us for the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners. Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrestling with God Gary looks at Jacob's wrestle with God and asks how this can apply to our lives.

Are you stuck in relational conflict? Do you struggle with character flaws that won't change? This powerful sermon reveals how God uses conflict to transform you - no matter your age. At 97 years old, Jacob wrestled with God and received a completely new identity. You can too.In this message from Genesis 32, discover how to hunger for transformation, make the commitment choice, and experience God's blessing in your life. Learn why conflict is often God's invitation to change you from the inside out.Perfect for Christians seeking biblical encouragement, spiritual growth, and practical faith application. Whether you're dealing with family conflict, personal struggles, or simply wanting to grow closer to God, this sermon will challenge and inspire you.

Are you stuck in relational conflict? Do you struggle with character flaws that won't change? This powerful sermon reveals how God uses conflict to transform you - no matter your age. At 97 years old, Jacob wrestled with God and received a completely new identity. You can too.In this message from Genesis 32, discover how to hunger for transformation, make the commitment choice, and experience God's blessing in your life. Learn why conflict is often God's invitation to change you from the inside out.Perfect for Christians seeking biblical encouragement, spiritual growth, and practical faith application. Whether you're dealing with family conflict, personal struggles, or simply wanting to grow closer to God, this sermon will challenge and inspire you.

Wrestling With God

(Genesis 32:22-31) As we come to the end of our clasping the heel series we encounter Jacob's most famous story. A night-time wrestle with the God of the Universe. Gavin takes the opportunity to unpack how this is an invitation from God to wrestle about the things of faith, and that it doesn't always come easily. Jacob's story is one that gives our stories hope as we engage with the things of God. Join us as we explore this desire for more in this powerful story.

Recorded on the day of Charlie Kirk's passing at First Baptist Church - Branson. Thank you Jesus! Much to grieve, much to love. We can always maintain hope. @p_13_l @nova_pdl @purejoyprojectna

"Genesis 32:22–32 | Wrestling with God — When Trials Lead Us to Prayer and TransformationIn this sermon, we dive into the climactic moment in Jacob's life—the mysterious all-night wrestling match with God that marks his true conversion. After years of deceit and exile, Jacob faces his past and God's grace in a powerful encounter that changes his name and identity forever.We explore:The significance of wrestling with God in prayer during life's greatest trialsThe identity of the “man” Jacob wrestled with — a prefiguration of Christ and the Angel of the LORDThe meaning behind Jacob's new name, Israel, and what it teaches us about spiritual transformationHow this ancient story resonates with every believer's struggle, surrender, and ultimate blessing in ChristThis narrative reminds us that true conversion comes not through human striving, but through persistent wrestling with God until we receive His blessing. Like Jacob, we are called to hold on to God in prayer, trusting in His grace to make us new creations.If this message encouraged you, please like, share, and subscribe for more Bible teachings and encouragement!#Genesis32 #WrestlingWithGod #JacobAndGod #BibleSermon #ChristianTransformation #AngelOfTheLord #PreIncarnationChrist #SpiritualWrestling #PrayerAndFaith #ChristianLife #NewCreation #FaithJourney #GodsGrace #SermonSeries #BibleTeaching"

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After a lifetime of grasping — for birthrights, blessings, and love — Jacob is finally left alone. On the eve of facing his greatest fear, he encounters his greatest opponent: God Himself. In this climactic moment, Jacob realizes that the fight was never with Esau, but with the God he's resisted his whole life. In Part 5 of Grasping for God, we'll see how real encounters with God are always personal, often painful, and ultimately transformative — and how sometimes, the only way to win is to surrender.

In this prophetic and liberating message, Leon du Preez unpacks the story of Jacob wrestling with God and reveals the greater truth: the blessing never comes through striving but through surrender. Drawing from Genesis 32, he shows how God cripples self-reliance to release grace, how Jacob's name was changed to Israel, and how our breakthrough comes when we rest in Christ's finished work. Filled with revelation, prophetic words, and powerful worship moments, this message will shift you from wrestling to resting in God's grace.

Send us a textWrestling with God takes on literal meaning in the remarkable story of Jacob. As we dive deep into Genesis, we uncover a patriarch whose life defies our expectations of what a "biblical hero" should be.This episode challenges our sanitized understanding of faith. The biblical narrative doesn't whitewash Jacob's flaws or present his journey as a neat moral lesson. Instead, it shows how God works through and despite human failings. If you've ever felt your spiritual life is more struggle than serenity, Jacob's story offers profound reassurance that wrestling with God isn't failure—it's the essence of authentic relationship with the divine.Join us as we trace Jacob's journey from trickster to patriarch, exploring how this deeply human figure becomes the foundation of Israel's identity and a crucial link in salvation history. Your own spiritual wrestling matches might look different after hearing this story.Intro music provided by Holly Serio

There's a very cliched understanding of wanting to study the Bible the way that Jacob wrestled with God...which I wrestle with a little bit in this episode... As always, check out our work, and join our email list, at https://ouroutpost.org/join our free resource library platform herecatch our other podcast, Love Your Marriage, by clicking here: https://ouroutpost.org/podcasts/see what we have upcoming in terms of events here: https://ouroutpost.org/events/send us an email at hello@ouroutpost.organd please rate, review, and share!If you're a Catholic husband, feel free to sign up for some time to chat with Joseph! https://bookme.name/ouroutpost/45-minutes-with-joseph

David and Karen Mains share the prophetic message that America, and especially American Christians, are wrestling with God: “Wrestling with God is usually about the role He is going to play in your life.”

Join us this Sunday as Pastor Andrew teaches on the value of wrestling with God, allowing Him to change us and speak identity into our lives. Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Brent Wilson preaches from Habakkuk 1 on August 17th, 2025.

In this powerful exploration of the book of Habakkuk, we're invited to wrestle with God in our moments of doubt and confusion. The prophet Habakkuk's honest dialogue with God teaches us that it's okay to bring our big questions and frustrations directly to our Creator. As we dive into this three-chapter book, we see how Habakkuk's complaints about injustice and God's seeming inaction are met with grace and a broader perspective. This reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans often extend far beyond what we can see. The beautiful transformation in Habakkuk's attitude - from questioning to worship - encourages us to trust God even when we don't understand His methods. This message challenges us to deepen our relationship with God by bringing our raw, unfiltered thoughts to Him, knowing that He is big enough to handle our doubts and loving enough to draw us closer through the process.

In this powerful exploration of the book of Habakkuk, we're invited to wrestle with God in our moments of doubt and confusion. The prophet Habakkuk's honest dialogue with God teaches us that it's okay to bring our big questions and frustrations directly to our Creator. As we dive into this three-chapter book, we see how Habakkuk's complaints about injustice and God's seeming inaction are met with grace and a broader perspective. This reminds us that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans often extend far beyond what we can see. The beautiful transformation in Habakkuk's attitude - from questioning to worship - encourages us to trust God even when we don't understand His methods. This message challenges us to deepen our relationship with God by bringing our raw, unfiltered thoughts to Him, knowing that He is big enough to handle our doubts and loving enough to draw us closer through the process.

With the powerful hold idols have over us, is there any hope that we might dethrone these counterfeit gods?  The answer is, “Yes!” …IF we take to heart this foundational truth.  Idols cannot simply be removed – they have to be replaced.How do we do that? If we hope to deal with our idols, what we need is not merely a vague belief in God but a profound encounter with God.Jacob had such an encounter, and it changed him forever. We met Jacob and his wives, Leah and Rachel, in a previous message. By the time we get to Genesis 31, Jacob has settled into married life and is prospering quite nicely. But Jacob's success became a threat to his father-in-law, Laban, and tension began to grow between them. So, Jacob decided it was time to part ways and return to his homeland. By now, his parents were gone, but his twin brother, Esau, the one Jacob had deceived, was still around. And the last time they had seen each other, Esau threatened to kill him. As Jacob and his huge entourage of family, servants, flocks, and herds drew near, he received the alarming news. Esau was heading his way, accompanied by a small army. Jacob was sure Esau was coming to make good on his threat. So, he springs into action. He sends out some servants with a huge gift of livestock for his brother. Then he divides his family into smaller groups and sends them across the river. Now night is falling, and Jacob is alone. All of his life, Jacob had been a “control freak.” He had sought to control people and circumstances to get what he wanted. He demonstrates the ultimate counterfeit god: SELF.The idol of self comes in many forms: self-sufficiency, self-determination, self-rule. Every one of us is challenged by the idol of self. Like Jacob, you've determined to be a survivor.  And like Jacob, you survived—but at a huge cost.Jacob's life had been one long wrestling match to get a blessing.  He wrestled with Esau to hear it from his father's lips.  He had wrestled with Laban to find it in Rachel's companionship.  But it hadn't worked.  He was still needy and empty on the inside. And now, he wrestles with God Himself. A mysterious figure comes to Jacob in the night, and they wrestle, struggling all night long, until at last, the Lord touches his hip and it is wrenched out of its socket. But rather than let go, Jacob clung all the harder. “I won't let go until you bless me!” He realized that nothing else matters. If he didn't have God's blessing, he didn't have anything.At long last, Jacob recognized the true God and surrendered to Him. God gave him a new name—Israel. And He left him with a reminder of who is really in control: Jacob would walk with a limp for the rest of his life.Jacob's transformation came after a profound encounter with God.  And, in the end, that is the only remedy against idolatry. When you know God as GOD, you don't need anything or anyone else. And when you give control to Him, you don't have to bow to the idol of self.  Text: Genesis 31-32Originally recorded on December 12, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

Sermon delivered on 8/10/25.

As he prepared to meet Esau, Jacob wrestled with God. He knew only God could bless him. We hold on to God's promises to us.

(Bilingual) このメッセージでは太助牧師が「目的の人生を生きることの現実：神様とのレスリング」について以下の5つのポイントから話します。In this message Ps Tasuke talks about “REALITY OF LIVING THE LIFE OF PURPOSE:WRESTLING WITH GOD” in these 5 points: エレミヤ 29:11 JCB / Jeremiah 29:11 NLTエペソ 2:10 新改訳2017 / Ephesians 2:10 NLTエペソ 2:10 ERV / Ephesians 2:10 ERV創世記 32:20-24a JCB / Genesis 32:20-24a NLT創世記 32:24b JCB / Genesis 32:24 NLT創世記 32:25-26 JCB / Genesis 32:25-26 NLT創世記 32:27-30 JCB / Genesis 32:27-30 NLTヘブル 4:15-16 ERV / Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV1.神様はあなたに良い計画と目的を用意している GOD HAS A GREAT PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR YOU2.ヤコブの人生 JACOB'S LIFE3.神様は「ありのままで向かってくる」人を求めている GOD SEEKS THOSE WHO COME TO HIM JUST AS THEY ARE4.時には、神様とのレスリングが必要な時がある SOMETIMES, WE NEED TO WRESTLE WITH GOD5.神様の恵みと祝福によって、目的の人生を歩むことができるBY GOD'S GRACE AND BLESSING, WE CAN WALK IN A LIFE OF PURPOSEConnect with us:Web: mylifehouse.comInstagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobalVideo Messages: ビデオメッセージ: youtube.com/LifehouseTokyoOther Podcasts:Want to listen to our messages in other languages?Lifehouse Messages (English): https://lifehousemessages.captivate.fm/listenLifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen

Let's talk about what it looks like to wrestle with God. Is it allowed to believe God is still good while also wrestling with that truth? 

Jacob spent his life striving for blessing by his own strength, but everything changed the night he wrestled with God. In this message from Pastor Trey, we explore how God meets us in our struggle not to fight against us but to restore us.

We are living through intense division in our society. But the problem of division is not unique to our time. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, is filled with division. In this sermon series, “Jacob: God's Hope for a Divided People," we will study the story of Jacob (Genesis 25-48) to consider the great hope God gives us for redemption and reconciliation across seemingly irreconcilable differences.

You are listening to a presentation given at the 2025Michigan Conference Cedar Lake Campmeeting. We pray you will be blessed!

A listener to Chris Fabry Live wrote, "I am struggling with God being good and allowing all the kids and families to die in the Texas floods. Their prayers were not answered." We're going to talk about God’s sovereignty and goodness in light of the Texas floods with author and speaker Ray Pritchard. He says the deepest thinkers in church history have wrestled with this question. Hear the conversation on Chris Fabry Live. July thank you gift:Drive Through the Bible by Colin S. Smith Chris Fabry Live is listener-supported. To support the program, click here.Become a Back Fence Partner: https://moodyradio.org/donateto/chrisfabrylive/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lessons From Legends Series: Wrestling With God | Pastor Steve Steer by Connect Church

What does it mean to wrestle with God? In this message from Lead Pastor John Lindell, we follow Jacob to the Jabbok River—a place of full surrender—where he wrestles with God and receives a new name. Our prayer is that you would encounter God in a fresh way and experience the lasting transformation that comes when you refuse to let go until He blesses you.

What does it mean to wrestle with God? In this message from Lead Pastor John Lindell, we follow Jacob to the Jabbok River—a place of full surrender—where he wrestles with God and receives a new name. Our prayer is that you would encounter God in a fresh way and experience the lasting transformation that comes when you refuse to let go until He blesses you.

In this episode of Catholic Answers Live, listeners ask deep and thought-provoking questions about Scripture, the sacraments, and God's love. Why is exact language so essential when administering the sacraments? How can we dispose ourselves to receive God's love rather than trying to earn it? We also explore the powerful Old Testament moment when Jacob wrestles with the angel—what does it mean, and why is it significant? Join us for a rich conversation that blends theology, spiritual insight, and biblical understanding, helping Catholics and seekers alike grow in knowledge and faith. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 17:21 – Why is precise language necessary in the valid and effective administration of the sacraments? 29:39 – How can a person open themselves to receiving God's love rather than trying to earn it? 50:20 – What is the theological and spiritual significance of Jacob wrestling with the angel in Scripture?