Pastor Timothy Hinkle August 25, 2013

When we attend a worship service we should come expecting God to meet us in a significant way. In order to receive all that God intends to give us, we must wrestle against the powers of darkness that would attempt to distract or otherwise keep us from God.

At the same time, we need to press in to His presence. God doesn’t want His people to be passive, but to earnestly seek Him for His blessing and His grace.

22 And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok. 23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.

24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

29 And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

Principle #1: Get Alone with God Principle #2: Get Honest with God Principle #3: Be Persistent Principle #4: Prepare Yourself for Change Principle #5: When You Wrestle with God You Win

1. There are some places that we need to go alone with God. 2. Many of us depend too much on the prayers of others, such as the pastor, a friend or spouse.

3. There are some times when being alone with God is the only way you will win.

1. When we get alone God is able to speak in that still small voice, asking us the hard questions about who we really are.

2. Here, alone, Jacob was finally able to truthfully answer God. Yes, my name is deceiver and Lord, that’s who I am!

3. When you get alone with God, and you get honest with God, you can discover that you don’t have to settle for a superficial relationship with God.

1.Jacob wrestled all night long with the angel of God. 2.Jacob wouldn’t give up, even with his life in the balance.

3. Like Jacob, you don’t have to see beyond your need for God. You only have to see that you need and want Him more than anything.

 When you get alone and honest with God, the result is always CHANGE.

Genesis 32:28 (KJV) Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

1. Jacob was not more powerful than God, but yet through wrestling with God, Jacob came into a place where God would not withhold His blessing. His prayers had power with God.

2. An encounter with God may leave you more vulnerable, all pretenses will be stripped away, but you will never be stronger in your life than then.

3. This encounter brought about not only a name change, but a change of character as well.

on his own devices, but on God’s help, blessing, and guidance. Victory and blessing come the same way today. Jacob learned that his life and well-being were dependent not

forgiveness, and desire, His presence, power and work of the Holy Spirit. If we will pursue a life of commitment and faith. Then He will move in life changing power in us. If we will earnestly seek Him, confess our sin, ask His