Solitude, Struggle, Suffering, Success

Recent email to: Curtis, Gary & Bobby,

Thanks for pointing this out at prayer the other morning – the timing of Jacob's limp and suffering. All that appears bad is not bad. As Curtis says, “It’s all good!”

It’s significant and encouraging that major events still happen to us as we’re well advanced in our journey through life and our journey with God. Our best years are still in front of us! Amen. Shalom. -=db=-

Alone with God

Do you need some motivation to get alone with God. To go on a spiritual retreat as Pastor Craig has suggested / requested? This might help…

“If Jesus practiced solitude, and Paul practiced solitude; why should we think we need not practice solitude?” Dallas Willard

“Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." But he said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him and said, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And he blessed him there. (Gen 32:20-32) [Bolding mine.]

Being alone. Struggling with God and his fears. Determined to not let go, nor give up until getting something from God. Jacob struggled with God, himself, and others (Esau and Laban). For his tenacity and effort God changed his standing, his person, and his name – from “Deceiver” to “Israel,” “Prince with God” – WoW, may it be so with us in January, and in 2009, and forever. Our God is an Awesome God….

January 8, 2009 Subiaco