The Breaking That Builds.
22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.” And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip.
Genesis 32:22-31 [NKJV]
1. You Must Confront Who You’ve Been.
24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
Genesis 32:24 [NIV]
4 You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and His way. 5 And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "He's a fiercely jealous lover." 6 And what He gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble." 7 So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. 8 Say a quiet yes to God and He'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. 9 Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. 10 Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
James 4:4-10 [MSG]
2. You Will Be Broken Before You’re Built.
25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched…
Genesis 32:25 [NIV]
19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
John 2:19 [NKJV]
3. Your Mindset Must Shift To Match Your Destiny.
26 And He said, “Let Me go….” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
Genesis 32:26 [NKJV]
4. You Must Destroy What Has Kept You From What God Is Bringing You Into.
9 Then the Lord reached out His hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I will most assuredly give you the words you are to speak for Me. 10 Know for certain that I hereby give you the authority to announce to nations and kingdoms that they will be uprooted and torn down, destroyed and demolished, rebuilt and firmly planted.”
Jeremiah 1:9-10 [NET]
31 The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.
Genesis 32:31 [NIV]
