Jacob is a character in the bible that reminds me of someone! Yes that someone is ME!
God had great plans for Jacob, however... he struggled with his character on many occasions. Jacob from the very beginning was wired with great influence but he was a little rough around the edges. No matter what he did or where he went he stirred things up.
The one thing Jacob had to realize was that a strong, influential leader who goes his own way and seeks to benefit only himself cannot be an effective instrument in God's hands.
God had great plans for Jacob, however... he struggled with his character on many occasions. Jacob from the very beginning was wired with great influence but he was a little rough around the edges. No matter what he did or where he went he stirred things up.
The one thing Jacob had to realize was that a strong, influential leader who goes his own way and seeks to benefit only himself cannot be an effective instrument in God's hands.
God had to break Jacob to make him useful. In his breaking process God was teaching Jacob how to serve God with his gifts and character and not himself.
Every single one of us will have an opportunity to lead somebody. But how does that look based on your character?
A mother leads her children, a worship leader leads music, a pastor leads his flock, a boss leads employees, a husband leads his wife and a father leads his children, a director leads her team.
A leader influences in both positive and negative ways.
Jacob learned to develop his character and change. In the beginning Jacob was forceful, intimidating, manipulative and greedy. After God began to wrestle with his character Jacob was a motivating and honorable leader, communicating esteem to others by serving them, thus inspiring them to act.
How did Jacob turn this crucial corner while allowing God to change his character?
A breaking had to happen. Jacob broke physically and emotionally. In the midst of his brokenness God began to change Jacob and bless him.
Jacob did not run from God in his brokenness he ran to God.
This is how Jacob received his blessing during his brokenness
1. Jacob got alone with God- All distractions had to be removed so Jacob could slow down and refocus.
2. Jacob was hungry for God- He desperately wanted to receive what God had for him.
3. Jacob was broken by God- He allowed God to break and change him.
4. Jacob was honest with God- he stopped pretending in order to let God work in His life.
Have you "prevailed" with God in this way? God has a calling on your life and blessings friends, He cannot do anything of significance in the kingdom of God until we humble ourselves before God and seek his face. YOU MUST BE BROKEN IN ORDER TO BE BLESSED!
If you are in the midst of brokenness, allow God to change your character. I know it can be so difficult because we want CHANGE NOW!
Last night I visited a church I will begin to partnering with on the things of God this year and the pastor was speaking on our faith and belief in what God will do in your situation on HIS TIMING. He reminded us to not PUSH or try to manipulate with force Gods will.
Instead P U S H: PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS!
Jacob wrestled with God in today's reading and during that broken time Jacob PUSHED until God blessed him!
Friends I encourage you to PUSH and wrestle with God. Allow him to change your character into something amazing. Do not allow pride, stubbornness or ignorance to get in the way. God wants to use you in a wondrous way.....
I am thankful for the times I had to get alone with God and allow him to work on my character. I still have a long way to go but I know God has done a work and I have witnessed blessings and dreams coming to pass.... Brokenness will always lead to blessing if you go to that certain place with God!
Blessings,
Heather
