When It Feels Like God Is Holding You Back
By Rick Warren
“I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:26 (NIV)
When God blessed Jacob, he promised to give him land, multiply his family, make him a mighty nation, and use him to bless the world. He made Jacob and his family God’s chosen people.
But just like he does with you today, God gave Jacob a promise and then tested his faith in that promise.
In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestled with God all night long in a struggle that tested his patience, faith, and trust. Then God touched Jacob’s hip and injured it, putting him at a serious disadvantage. Jacob was hurt and exhausted, and yet at dawn he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26 NIV).
Isn't that an interesting thing to say to somebody you're wrestling with? At some point during that all-night struggle, Jacob became aware that this was no ordinary opponent. He was wrestling with God. And so, Jacob refused to let go, knowing that God could bless him.
Maybe you feel like you’re wrestling with God right now, and the struggle is lasting way too long. Maybe you don’t want to do the things God has told you to do, like be generous or obey his rules for sex or be kind to your enemies.
The very God you’re wrestling with is the one who gives you your dream for your life. He's the one who will make it happen! God’s not trying to thwart your dream—he’s getting you ready for it. Your struggle will build your stamina, deepen your patience, and increase your resilience.
Your wrestling match will also bring you to the point of commitment. At the very moment when you think it’s time to give up, you need to turn to God and say, “I’m in this struggle as long as it takes for you to do your good work in me and bless me.”
That kind of response to God’s test shows you’re ready for his anointing on your life.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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