Genesis 32 & 33 From Dysfunctional to Dynamic

Biblical Principles for a Better Life - Pastor Kris Davis

Is your life in constant motion, moving from place to place, from school to school, or from career to career? Or do you realize that God is at work in you, changing you through these circumstances? As we observe Jacob’s journey, we see not only a geographic journey, but a journey from Jacob to Israel—a pilgrimage from selfishness to God-centeredness, from deception to devotion. This journey takes a lifetime.

In our text for this week, we have the longest prayer recorded in the Book of Genesis. Jacob laid out his entire problem before God, providing us with a model as to how covenant people should approach God when they’re under threat.

In verse 9, He reminded God of His covenant promises. Then He confessed His total unworthiness in verse 10. He then asked for God’s deliverance in verse 11, and again returned to God’s promised word in verse 12.

If we get stuck, not knowing how to approach God, this is a wonderful pattern. To enter into the blessings both now and hereafter, we must submit ourselves totally to the touch of God. We must let Him work in us that which takes away our deceit and self-dependence. Take your difficulties to God, wrestle and deal with them, and you will be able to deal with others with the same grace given to you.