Dear First Pres,
In Genesis 32 there is a wonderfully interesting scene in which Jacob wrestles a mysterious man. Jacob is preparing to meet his brother Esau. They hadn’t seen each other since the days when Jacob had tricked Esau’s blessing from Isaac. So Jacob began to pray, “Save me, God, from the hand of my brother.” Then, that night, when Jacob was completely alone in the camp, “a man wrestled with him till daybreak” (Gen. 32:24). It seemed a pretty even match until “the man” touched Jacob’s hip and gave him a forever limp. Still, Jacob held on saying, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Gen. 32:26). Then God changed his name to Israel “because [he] struggled with God” (veres 28).
On Sunday I talked about prayer as contending with God, and I think Jacob’s story is a perfect biblical example. [If you missed worship, I encourage you to watch it HERE.] He wrestled with God all night. In the end, God humbled him and changed his name … the name that was eventually given to the entire nation promised to Abraham. See, when we authentically contend with God in prayer (about our situation, or against injustice, or for His Kingdom, etc.), things happen. God works in and through prayer. As I said on Sunday, God uses it to draw us into His presence, to transform our lives in Christ, and to position us to participate in His redeeming transformation for our city and world. Of course, that’s not all that God does in and through prayer, but it’s a pretty great list!
So, are you contending with God in prayer? Certainly, there is no shortage of things to contend with God about. I encourage you to lean in with the Lord in prayer … even if it takes all night. Lean in with your summer prayer group believing that the Lord is at work while you pray. Let’s contend with God for His will in our lives. Let’s contend with God against evil. Let’s contend with God for His Kingdom to come. Let’s contend with God for the end of this pandemic. Let’s contend with God for shalom in our city. Let’s contend with God for new believers. Let’s contend with God about the things that disappoint us. The alternative is to grow apathetic about the things that God cares so much about. The alternative is a dull relationship with God. The alternative is to miss the best that God wants to do in you and through you.
So, may the Lord help us to contend for change in prayer with Him.
Blessings,
Jeremy Vaccaro
P.S. As restrictions tighten back up in our county, we are continuing to operate in Level 2. So please check out our website for newly detailed guidelines for Level 2 church events.
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