Podcasts about wrestling with god

As summer begins to give way to fall, our calendars fill up, routines change, and we find ourselves standing at crossroads—wondering what to let go of, what to carry forward, and how we want the next season of life to feel.In this special episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman explores compassion through the stories of Jacob wrestling with God and Jesus feeding the crowds in the wilderness. What happens when we stop running from our regrets, fears, and uncertainty—and instead choose courage, connection, generosity, and hope?Drawing on the image of a table, Tara invites us to consider not just what we put on our tables, but what kind of table we are creating. Will it be a table shaped by ego and scarcity, or one where compassion makes room for everyone?As you prepare for the busy season ahead, pause for a moment. What are you ready to release? What are you determined to keep? And what would happen if compassion became the central ingredient in the life you're creating?Come wrestle, wonder, and make a little room for some holy shenanigans.

September 27, 2020, divided my life into two worlds: the one where my best friend Armani was alive and the one where he wasn't.In this raw solo dolo episode, I share the heart behind Me, Armani, & Jesus, why I buried parts of my grief for three years, and what happened when I returned to the cabin and river connected to Armani's final days. We talk about the friendships we keep putting on the back burner, facing the places we would rather avoid, and learning how to wrestle with God without walking away from Him.This story is for anyone grieving someone they lost, searching for hope, or needing permission to admit that their heart still hurts.Support the book, share this episode, and reach out to your best friend while you still can. Help us do it for the One!Buy on Amazon:https://a.co/d/01DOIvKsOrder a signed paperback:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/signedcopyOrder a signed hardcover:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/signedcopy-x6tyg

Deacon Donna Barker speaks on the power and importance of doubt in a healthy relationship with God, and how asking questions can strengthen your faith. Originally shared August 2, 2026.

Wednesday

Sermon from 8/2/2026 at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, FL.

Genesis 32:22-31 - Jacob Wrestles With God 22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. 23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. 24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. 26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. 28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” 29 Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” 31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

Kevin Seidel

Visit us online at tablechurchdsm.org to learn more.

In this message on Jacob's midnight encounter in Genesis 32, Kenneth, YuShen, and Sarah explore what it means to stay engaged with God through our doubts, pain, and life struggles. Discover how clinging to Him with unpolished honesty—rather than pulling away—can break our self-reliance and transform our deepest wrestling into a source of divine blessing and new identity. Genesis 32:22-32

Justin kicks off our new August series, Hills & Valleys, studying the story of Jacob, who wrestled with God.

Is it okay to wrestle with God? To doubt, to question, to demand a blessing before you let go?In this sermon for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, The Rev. Craig Swan turns to Jacob's night at the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22–31) — the moment his past finally catches up with him, and he is left alone to wrestle with a stranger until daybreak. Fr. Craig traces this as both a physical struggle and a spiritual one: will Jacob run from the consequences of his choices, or step into the role he schemed his way into? He connects Jacob's limp — carried away "injured but secure" — to Paul's own hard-won faith in 2 Timothy, arguing that the "victor's crown" was never about accomplishment, but about never letting go of trust through doubt and darkness.The sermon closes with an invitation: growing into a mature faith means moving past childhood certainty and owning a faith tested by our own struggle — just like Jacob at Peniel.Scripture ReadingsGenesis 32:22–31 — Jacob wrestles with God at the JabbokPsalm 17:1–7, 15 — "Show me your marvelous, loving-kindness, O Savior"Romans 9:1–5 — Paul's anguish for his own peopleMatthew 14:13–21 — Feeding of the five thousandSt. Peter's by-the-Sea is an Episcopal Church in Narragansett, Rhode Island.Sunday worship rooted in Anglican liturgy, scripture, and thoughtful preaching.Plan a visit: https://www.stpetersbythesea.com

AM Sermon

Title: How to Wrestle with GodScripture Reading: Genesis 32:22-32Series: Bizarre BibleDo you find yourself constantly scheming your way through life's challenges? Jacob, a lifelong schemer, finds himself in a mysterious all-night wrestling match in Genesis 32. This encounter becomes an enacted metaphor for his life, forcing him to move from wrestling by scheming to wrestling by trusting God. Ultimately, Jacob surrenders his self-reliance, foreshadowing the ultimate surrender of our Savior, Jesus, in Gethsemane. Choose to wrestle with life's difficulties by surrendering and trusting in God's power, rather than relying on your own schemes.

A sermon for Pentecost 10 (August 2, 2026) Genesis 32:22-31 The same night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maids, and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream, and likewise everything that he had. Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the 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 is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, 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 place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip.

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, Matthew 14:13-21 Ellen Hall 

This is a sermon I delivered at St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church in Oaks, PA. For a permanent link to this and other sermons, please go to therevtreysthoughts.blogspot.com

Description:In this mind-expanding episode, we explore the profound impact of psychedelics, the balance of life's struggles, and how fear shapes human behavior. Rick shares his experiences with psychedelics, the importance of inner work, and why embracing discomfort leads to true growth.Topics Covered:Were psychedelics responsible for human evolution? The role of fear in shaping our reality The government's fear of psychedelics & mass awakening How ancient traditions understood consciousness better than modern society The fine line between self-care & obsession with health 

Most of us spend our lives trying to change our circumstances or change ourselves, believing that if we could just get it all together, we'd finally be enough. But Scripture tells a different story. Join Celebration Church Orlando for worship and a message from Genesis 32 as we look at Jacob wrestling with God through the night, and see that he doesn't walk away with different circumstances, he walks away different. If you've been trying to fix everything before you draw near to God, this message is for you.Connect with Us:Next Steps: https://celebrationorl.org/Subscribe: Don't miss an episode or message—follow along!Follow Us: Instagram: https://bit.ly/2MConG0 / Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Yxe6h7Feedback: Have questions? Need prayer? DM @celebrationorl or email celebra...

Genesis 32:22-31 Sermon by the Rev. Ben Brannan from Sunday, July 26, 2026. Read the manuscripts of our latest sermons at: https://www.spres.org/worship/sermons/ 

Preacher: Darren Mckinnis Jonah 1:17 - 2:10 Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.' The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, LORD my God, brought my life up from the pit. "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. "Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, 'Salvation comes from the LORD.'" And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. 

RCC | Wrestling with God | PG | 7.19.26 by Remnant Christian Center

Preacher: Caleb Maskell Jonah 1:7 - 2:4 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. " This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried out to the LORD, "Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased." Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. Jonah's Prayer Now the LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.' 

In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann to discuss his latest book, co-authored with Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing, Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages. Andrew makes the case for why the Old Testament is indispensable to the Christian faith, and walks through some of Scripture's most perplexing passages — from the mysteries of Job to the hidden hand of God in Esther.Episode Timestamps0:00 — Introduction & Welcoming Dr. Andrew Steinmann Back1:52 — Why We Shouldn't Skip the Old Testament4:00 — Wrestling with Perplexing Passages in Job7:00 — Proverbs 8 and Christ's Role in Creation8:00 — Understanding How Numbers Are Used in the Old Testament12:00 — Where Is God in Ruth, Esther, and Song of Songs?17:00 — Coincidence or Providence? God Behind the Scenes in Esther19:00 — Discovering the Trinity Throughout the Old Testament23:00 — The Aaronic Benediction and the Three Persons of God25:00 — Advice for Those Struggling with Difficult Passages27:00 — The Writing Partnership Behind Wrestling with God29:00 — ClosingAbout the GuestDr. Andrew Steinmann taught at Concordia University Chicago as a Distinguished Professor of Theology and Hebrew beginning in 2000 until retiring in July of 2023. At Concordia, he taught a wide variety of classes, including Hebrew I and II, Hebrew Readings, Readings in Hebrew, and Introduction to the Old Testament. His research interests are focused on Hebrew, Aramaic languages, apocalyptic literature, wisdom literature, and biblical chronology. Throughout his career, Dr. Steinmann has written over 50 articles and book reviews that have been published in national and international journals. He serves as a regular guest on numerous radio programs. Dr. Steinmann holds the following degrees: PhD, Near Eastern Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; MDiv, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana; BSChE, chemical engineering, University of Cincinnati. Dr. Steinmann is married to Rebecca. Resources MentionedWrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages by Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing and Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann — cph.orgConcordia Publishing House: Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.

In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman sits down with returning guest Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing to discuss his latest book, co-authored with Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann, Wrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages. Reed shares why we shouldn't skip or soften the Old Testament's hardest passages — and what we gain when we lean into them instead.Episode Timestamps0:12 — Introduction & Welcoming Reed Lessing Back1:52 — Why We Shouldn't Skip or Soften the Old Testament4:00 — What Still Perplexes the Scholars: Long Lifespans & the Trinity5:50 — The Challenge of Distance: Hebrew Language Barriers8:00 — Understanding Violence in the Old Testament14:00 — Modern Israel vs. Biblical Israel: A Grievous Confusion21:00 — The Key Question: Who Is Israel?22:00 — Why the Church Skips the Psalms of Lament26:00 — Where Reed Turns for Comfort in Hard Times28:00 — What Didn't Make the Cut29:45 — Encouragement for Those Wrestling with Scripture33:00 — Looking Ahead: The Next Book in the Trilogy34:00 — ClosingAbout the GuestDr. R. Reed Lessing is the The Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. He also serves as the University's Director for the Center of Biblical Studies and oversees the University's Pre-Seminary Program. Previously he was Senior Pastor at Saint Michael Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and before that, Professor of Exegetical Theology and Director of the Graduate School at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and received the B.A. in pre-seminary studies from St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas, in 1981. He earned his M.Div. (1985), S.T.M. (1989), and Ph.D. (2001) degrees from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. He was ordained into the office of the holy ministry on June 29, 1986. From 1986 to 1999, he served pastorates in West Monroe, Louisiana, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.Resources MentionedWrestling with God: Understanding Difficult Old Testament Passages by Rev. Dr. R. Reed Lessing and Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann — cph.orgConcordia Publishing HouseBringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.

In this continuation of Hope For All Seasons, Beck's Marketing Project Coordinator Halie Baer shares her deeply personal journey through grief, loss, and unwavering faith.Halie opens up about the questions, doubts, and difficult conversations she had with God in the midst of overwhelming pain. Through her honesty and vulnerability, she shares what it looked like to wrestle with her faith, cling to hope, and discover that God's presence remains even when answers don't.Her story is a reminder that faith isn't the absence of questions, it's choosing to keep seeking God through every season and trusting that hope can still be found in the darkest moments.

Wrestling With God ABOUT US Welcome to Life Foursquare Church in Decatur, Illinois! We're a vibrant, diverse community of believers who are passionate about our core purpose: Love God. Love People. Make Jesus Known. We believe church is more than a Sunday—it's a family. Whether you're joining in person or online, you belong here! We'd love to hear how God is working in your life through this service. Share your story, prayer requests, or simply connect with us at office@visitlife.org . NEXT STEPS Did you say “yes” to Jesus today?

Branden Henry, presenter worship_at_parkway_hills_july_12,_2026_v1 (240p)_01

Preacher: Caleb Maskell Jonah 1:1-16 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish . He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish." Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. " This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried out to the LORD, "Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased." Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. 

Preacher:Kathy Maskell Jonah 1:1-16 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish . He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish." Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land. " This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.) The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. Then they cried out to the LORD, "Please, LORD, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, LORD, have done as you pleased." Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him. 

Pastor Rob CowlesSupport the show

Big Stories About a Big God: Part 5 – Wrestling with God

Luke Pereria - Preached at 11am and Winmallee on June 28 and 9am on July 5 Passage: Habakkuk 1:1–2:1

We learn in Scripture how God wrestled Jacob to the ground one night and turned him upside down—so he could live right-side up. Jacob became a “prince” with God instead of a pain.When we're suffering the consequences of our own poor choices; when we're bearing the brunt of someone's vengeance and anger; when we feel absolutely on our own and life is not working out as planned, that's when God will turn up. He wants to walk down the stairway of heaven right into our hearts to make us aware of His personal interest and concern. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1141/29?v=20251111

Message from Nathan Knight on June 14, 2026

Watch Greg Laurie from Harvest + Greg Laurie To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.lightsource.com/donate/802/29

By Joseph P Trone - Speaker Joseph Trone Date: 6/6/26 Message uses the story of Jacob wrestling with God to ask and answer two questions: why wrestle with God, and how do we wrestle with Him?

Scripture: Genesis 32Is there more to life than this?"Why do I have three Super Bowl rings, and still think there's something greater out there for me? ... I mean this can't be what it's all cracked up to be. I mean I've done it. I'm 27. And what else is there for me?" - Tom BradyGenesis 32:4Genesis 32:11-12 Genesis 32:24-25Genesis 32:28Genesis 32:30Genesis 32:11 Genesis 32:20+ Jacob fears being in the hands of his brother, but he finds himself in the hands of God.+ Jacob fears seeing his brother's face, but he finds himself face to face with God.2 Corinthians 5:21 2 Corinthians 8:9 + Jacob fears being rejected by Esau but finds himself accepted by God.Romans 8:1

Episodes Mentioned:The Frequency of Holy Spirit: https://youtu.be/8MjQyNXorJU?si=BJcE65kLDA-BWdLUHearing God Practically: https://youtu.be/6TSHXI79QEg?si=SnhL1_613FD5DlvDMissing God's Voice: https://youtu.be/t4To04ifTRU?si=FWLhVEaXUZr9nMC9Manifestation: https://youtu.be/Ap4wBQWVSSg?si=ojJhpT47J-5kympoGo Deeper on Topics From the Showhttp://www.novosnetwork.com/kairosDeep End Websitehttps://deependtv.com/Get Weekly UpdatesText "TAW" to 615-845-5977Taylor's Websitehttps://taylorawelch.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/taylorawelchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@taylorawelchFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylorawelchprofileTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorawelchFull Deep End Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsJLC9JVAX745VhRtK7BsoBWKXF0yVrsB&si=YqkT8lg5eFell2o3Listen to The Deep EndApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-deep-end-w-taylor-welch/id1500492987Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Pqrl9Xpuja6kSPjHUgxF4?si=0e673cd31d5d4217BIO:Taylor Welch is an investor & business consultant. His portfolio of companies have serviced over 50,000 individual small businesses in the last 5 years. He currently lives in Nashville Tennessee with his wife and 2 kidsCHAPTERS:1:30 Start4:15 Is God Real?15:22 Does God Care?21:25 Fasting and Disobedience30:05 Cost of Following God30:55 Giving Away the Companies33:24 Hearing God Audibly40:05 Suicidal Spiral Explained47:48 FTC Investigation Pressure52:43 Talking to God 59:29 Learning to Hear God1:03:44 Airport Test and Vision1:16:03 New Problems Following God1:24:03 Tribe Reputation Tension1:26:07 Why Spiritual Hunger Surges1:35:24 Counterfeit Revival1:39:03 Beyond "Fire Insurance"1:49:27 Messy Church And Microbiome1:52:28 Biosphere Trees Need Wind1:56:07 Negotiating With God1:58:32 Discipline And Trust2:07:13 God Trusts The Messy2:10:37 Tuning Your Appetite2:20:37 Blessing Through Correction2:26:10 Prayer

May 24, 2026John SyversonHabakkuk 1: 12 - 2: 5

May 24, 2026John SyversonHabakkuk 1:12-2:5

Genesis 32:22-32

Ryan Kelly | Jonah | 1. The Prophet Runs, God Pursues (Ch. 1) 2. The Prophet Prays, God Rescues (Ch. 2) 3. The Pagans Repent, God Relents (Ch. 3) 4. The Prophet Resents, God Reasons (Ch. 4)

There’s a famous poem about defiant independence featuring phrases like “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” The Lord probably finds that poem pretty funny. The Bible says the earth is God’s footstool. And He hears a wee, little voice say I am the captain of my soul. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us a fresh perspective from Jacob’s attempt to wrestle with God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s a famous poem about defiant independence featuring phrases like “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” The Lord probably finds that poem pretty funny. The Bible says the earth is God’s footstool. And He hears a wee, little voice say I am the captain of my soul. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us a fresh perspective from Jacob’s attempt to wrestle with God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God gave us free will. And what a risky gift that is. Sure, it’s fine when the biggest choice is coffee or tea . . . sneakers or sandals. But what happens when our will collides with God’s will? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes on the danger of saying, “Thanks, God, but I’ve got this.” He’ll walk us through the story of an Old Testament character who wanted things his way, in his timing . . . and even wrestled with God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God gave us free will. And what a risky gift that is. Sure, it’s fine when the biggest choice is coffee or tea . . . sneakers or sandals. But what happens when our will collides with God’s will? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie takes on the danger of saying, “Thanks, God, but I’ve got this.” He’ll walk us through the story of an Old Testament character who wanted things his way, in his timing . . . and even wrestled with God. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does your prayer life really sound like when the circumstances don't make sense and your heart is full of questions you're not sure you're allowed to ask? So many of us have learned to bring God only our polished prayers — the ones that sound faithful and composed — while quietly stuffing down the frustration, the confusion, and the honest cry of a heart that doesn't understand what He is doing. But what if God isn't looking for our composure? What if He is actually inviting us to bring Him all of it? Habakkuk didn't tiptoe around his grief or dress up his doubts in careful language. He brought his full, unfiltered self before God — questioning, pushing back, wrestling openly — and God didn't turn him away. He met him there. And though God never explained Himself or changed His plan, something profound shifted in Habakkuk through the wrestling. By the final verses of his book, this grieving prophet arrives at one of Scripture's most breathtaking declarations of trust: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Not because his circumstances changed, but because his vision of God grew bigger than his circumstances. That is the invitation for us today — to bring our real selves before God, have our wrestle, and then choose to rejoice in the One who is always, always sovereign. Today's Bible Verse "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18, NIV Ponder Today God can handle our wrestling — He doesn't ask us to come to Him with polished prayers, but with honest hearts, just as Habakkuk did. Bringing our frustrations and questions to God is not a lack of faith; it is faith in action, trusting that He is big enough to hold our doubts. God didn't explain Himself to Habakkuk, yet through their exchange, Habakkuk's faith was deepened — sometimes the wrestling itself is the answer. Rejoicing in God is a choice, not a feeling — Habakkuk chose joy not because his circumstances improved, but because his trust in God's sovereignty grew stronger. God knows our every thought already; we have nothing to hide from Him, so we can cast our cares upon Him openly and without shame (1 Peter 5:7). Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who desires to hear from Your children — all of it, even the hard parts. Like Habakkuk, give us the strength to come before You boldly and honestly, without hiding our struggles or dressing up our doubts. When we don't understand Your ways, remind us that Your ways are higher than ours. May we choose to rejoice even when we don't like Your plan, and may our hearts ultimately rest in full trust and faith in You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.