Genesis: The Story of God's FaithfulnessShembull

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DEPENDENCE ON GOD 

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Most of us resort to self-reliance in stressful times, looking to our abilities. In the passage, we see that Jacob is facing one of the most stressful events of his life, and he, much like us, resorts to self-reliance. But after an in-person encounter with God, he learns a better way. 

The night before he is to confront the brother who was previously trying to kill him, Jacob physically wrestles with God. At daybreak, God tells Jacob to let go of him, but Jacob replies that he will not until God blesses him. With one touch, God dislocates Jacob’s hip, and then he blesses Jacob. 

Through this encounter, God was teaching Jacob to depend on him. God showed Jacob that true blessing comes from God’s provision, not from Jacob’s own skill or abilities. Jacob did not prevail with God because he was stronger than God or because he out-manipulated him. He prevailed only because of God’s mercy and grace. 

With his wounded leg, Jacob is now extremely vulnerable before his brother. Instead of depending on physical strength, Jacob has to find his confidence in God. With the assurance of God’s blessing, that he and his line will continue, Jacob finds strength. 

What does this all mean for believers today? It means that when we are not depending on God, God will bring us to the point where we see our self-sufficiency as insufficient. He will break us of our self-reliance so that we come to depend on him. As he breaks us of our self-sufficiency, God teaches us that it’s not about us and our abilities; it’s about Him and his power. Dependence on God gives us the courage and strength to face the toughest circumstances in our life. 

REFLECT: Think about a stressful or scary circumstance in your life right now. Reflect on the ways in which you are depending on yourself, your strength and your abilities. Say a prayer surrendering this circumstance to God, and ask him to help you depend on him and his power.