Wrestling for Your Win

Jacob had a very clear purpose during his travels. While he was running away from his brother, he ran into an angel of God on his way to Padan Aram. He didn’t just walk past; he got into a real struggle that lasted all night because he was desperate for a blessing. He was simply following what his mother told him to do. He held onto that angel with everything he had. During that scrap, his hip actually popped out of place. The pain was screaming at him to let go, but he wouldn't budge. In the end, that stubbornness paid off. God changed his name from Jacob, which means the supplanter, to Israel, which means a prince with God (Genesis 32 verses 24 to 28). That new name unlocked a legacy of blessing that his father Isaac had spoken over him. It eventually grew into the twelve tribes of Israel, a nation we still talk about today.

Think about David and Goliath. Goliath was this massive guy who loved to brag about how strong he was while mocking God’s people. David felt a righteous spark of anger because he couldn't stand seeing someone trash talk the Lord and the army. David basically said that you cannot just treat my God like garbage. Goliath tried to curse David using his own idols and kept shouting that he would feed David to the birds (1 Samuel 17 verses 42 to 44). I do not know what situation is hovering over you right now, telling you that it is going to be the end of you. I do not know what looks like it is about to swallow you whole. My prayer is that the same Lord who stood by David against Goliath will show up for you and win the day in the name of Jesus. David used nothing but a sling and a stone to take that giant down (1 Samuel 17 verses 48 to 50). Whatever giant is stomping around your business or your home, I truly believe there is a victory waiting for you.

God has a way of picking the things the world calls weak to confuse the people who think they are mighty (1 Corinthians 1 verse 27). Being a human being with flaws and limits is not a hurdle for God. David’s courage didn't just make him a hero; it terrified his enemies. The entire Philistine army turned and ran the moment they saw their champion on the ground (1 Samuel 17 verse 51). Champions are picked by God, not by a resume or training. Goliath had been a soldier his entire life, while David was just a kid starting out. But God had been training David in the quiet, lonely places of life (1 Samuel 17 verses 34 to 37). Sometimes the fastest runner doesn't win the race, and the strongest guy doesn't win the fight. Wisdom and skill do not always guarantee a paycheck. Time and chance happen to everyone (Ecclesiastes 9 verse 11).

If someone tries to curse what God has anointed, they are the ones who end up in trouble. If someone blesses what God has anointed, they get blessed right back. Goliath made the mistake of cursing someone God had already chosen. I do not know what words have been spoken against you just because the Lord has plans to enlarge your world. Those words are broken today by the power of Jesus. Life’s biggest battles cannot be won with just human muscle. The Bible tells us that we aren't just fighting against people, but against spiritual forces and dark powers in high places (Ephesians 6 verse 12). Goliath put his trust in small gods and tricks. He failed miserably, and all the bad energy he tried to put on David came right back on his own head. David relied on the Lord of Hosts, the one who never loses a fight, and he walked away a winner. Even though we live in physical bodies, we don't fight with physical weapons. Our tools are spiritual and they are powerful enough to pull down any wall (2 Corinthians 10 verses 3 to 4). The Bottom Line: You only win the wrestling match when you hand the fight over to God.

Father, every battle driven by a curse that has entered my life, let the blood of Jesus wipe it out and end the struggle right now in the name of Jesus. Amen.