Genesis 25:22-23, "The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, ‘Why is this happening to me?' So she went to inquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.'" Romans 8:31,  "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

Think

"God has a blessing on the other side of your battle!" Have you ever realized that you're facing a fight? That's right. Right now, whether you realize it or not, you're in the fight of your life! No matter who you are, what you have, or where you live, you've been thrust into the ring and forced to engage in a wrestling match that you cannot avoid. But the brawl began long before you were born. And through the story of Jacob, the Old Testament patriarch, and a true wrestler, you can discover just what it takes to emerge victoriously. The great news is that none of us has to fight alone! God is on our side. The question you have to ask is, are you on God's side? Have you tapped on his shoulder and brought him into the ring with you?  Because when you do, you'll discover that the key is not trying to fight FOR victory; it is fighting (and winning) FROM the victory he has already secured!

 

Act

Read the story of Jacob vs. Esau in Genesis 25:19-34. As we unpack this story throughout the rest of the week, ask God to reveal to you which of these two brothers you most resemble. And seek ways to become more like the one God wants you to be.

 

Pray

Dear Lord, as I face battle after battle in my life, help me to rely less on myself and more on you. I know that I cannot win on my own. So right now, I tap you on the shoulder and ask you to enter the ring with me. And I thank you in advance for the victory you have in store! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.