When We Struggle Alone
Genesis 32:24
Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
While there is much speculation as to the identity of the man who wrestled with Jacob, Bible scholars agree that this mystery man was God’s own representative. While many believe he was a pre-incarnate Jesus, others believe he was an Angel of the Lord. In either regard, he represented the power and truth of God’s Word.
God came to Jacob while he was alone. Indeed, many of our personal struggles are fought in private, where others cannot see the pain we feel or the internal fight we face. When we are left alone with our emotions, negative thoughts, or feelings of a guilty conscience, we struggle with God on a level others cannot see, but we are fully aware of the battle. Through such internal conflict, we come face to face with the holiness of God and the frailty of our human nature as we realize He has complete power to consume us but doesn’t for some reason. His grace is greater than the battle, and we are made stronger from it.
I’ve often heard the saying, “Private victory comes before public recognition.” We know we have struggled and overcome by God’s grace before others see the evidence. Unless the private victories happen, nothing public can be seen.
We all struggle with private issues, and God comes to us while we are alone to wrestle with us on these matters. We can wrestle with God without turning from Him. His grace keeps us in fellowship with Him while helping us overcome the things that try to destroy us. Your private struggles are there to help you grow and fully reach the destiny into which God has called you. Don’t rebel and turn away. Endure the struggle, and grow from it. God’s grace is greater than your weakness, and He will help you overcome.
Have a blessed day!