GIVE ME A BREAK!

 

                                                      

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

GIVE ME A BREAK!

(Gen 32:24) Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day.

Some people think they need a break from all their problems.  Other’s think they need a break of good luck to launch them into a better life.  But what we really need is a breaking of our pride and self-sufficiency and to let the Lord take over the control of our lives.  That’s what Jacob learned in his wrestling match with the angel that memorable night that left him with a hip out of joint.  And it’s what we need to learn as we turn from wrestling with the Lord to trusting in the Lord.  That’s the break we really need!   

God had worked on Jacob for twenty years under the hand of Laban.  They were the toughest years of his life.  God had been breaking him of his self-reliance.  Jacob had come a long way but there was more breaking to be done.  There at the river Jabbok, Jacob met his match.  The angel of the Lord came and wrestled with him all night.  Jacob kept up a good match until the Lord put his hip out of joint.  Now he was finally broken.  Jacob was weakened so all he could do now was cling until the breaking of day.  He wouldn’t let go until the Lord finally blessed him.  How broken are you?  Are you still wrestling with God in your life or have you let go and started clinging? 

What does it take to break a person?  For Jacob it was a physical break in his hip.  For others it might be the same…a physical breakdown of health.  For others it might be a breakdown in their marriage.  It could be some kind of reversal.  It could be finances, a broken heart, or a broken dream.  What does God have to put out of joint so we can fully yield to Him?  

It’s better to break than to be broken. (Pro 29:1) He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.  Keep a soft heart. (Hosea 10:12) Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you. And stay humble! (Psa 34:18) The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Jacob received a name change.  No longer would he be called Jacob which means “deceiver.” Now he would be called Israel which means “governed by God.”  He went from being a self-made man to a God-made man.  Now the Lord could really use him and through him build the twelve tribes of Israel where the Abrahamic covenant would be fulfilled on through David and then to Christ Himself.  

Having you been waiting for your break?  Let God give you the one you really need.  Tell God…GIVE ME A BREAK.  And He will.  It will be the positive adjustment you need to be all God intended you to be for His glory! 

Louie