Genesis 32:24,  "So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Psalm 139:23,24, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Think

"The tissue of the issue is not the problem on the surface." Let's play a game of fill-in-the-blank!

• My biggest problem is ____________.
• If I could only resolve my ___________ issue.
• I'm ready for ­____________ circumstance to be over.

What did you mentally put in those blanks? Is it a character issue? Maybe your marriage or job? Lust, addiction, gossip, uncontrolled anger? Or, maybe the loneliness you are battling? The issue that you are dealing with –  the one that is big and monstrous, that feels like an ominous rain cloud –  is actually not your biggest issue. Yes, you read that right. It's actually not your biggest issue. Your biggest issue is ... you. We keep looking to ourselves for the power to not give into temptation, to fix other people, to overcome struggles, to fight battles. But when you come to the end of yourself – your strength, your emotions, your discipline – you realize you need something more, something greater. You need God. Only he can lead you to victory over temptation, sin, sorrow, and unbearable situations. It's time to stop wrestling on the wrong level. It's time to focus on the real issue. It's time to admit your weakness and look to God for strength!

Act

Look back at your fill-in-the-blanks. What are your triggers for those areas? Strategically set reminders on your phone to go off with the phrase, "God, I need you." For example, if you don't get along with your boss, set a reminder for when you normally arrive at work. If you struggle with lust issues late at night, set a reminder to go off when you are most at risk.

Pray

God, thank you for opening my eyes to the fact that my problems are just a symptom of a greater issue. Thank you rescuing me and for stepping into my life with your power and purpose. I trust and choose you in each and every situation. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen!