Encounter with God

Scripture

Genesis 22: 21-24

So the gifts were sent on ahead, while Jacob himself spent that night in the camp. 22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. 23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. 24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.

Observation

1. During a crisis Jacob got alone with God.   He sent his family and possessions ahead of 

him.  That night he wrestled with God.

Application

1. I need times where I shut myself in with God.  

I am away from people, media, and things.  I want to position myself where I can meet with God.  I cannot force God's hand and make him meet with me but I can position myself.

2. My encounter with God might not go as I expect.  

The angel was in control of the encounter not Jacob.  The anger would not reveal his name.  The angel injured Jacob's hip and he walked with a limp the rest of his life.

3. An encounter with God will transform me.

I will not leave the same.  Jacob left with a new name, identity, and with a limp, dependance.

Prayer

Father, I need to meet with you.  I desire an encounter with you.  I want a new identity even if it comes with a limp.