Hold on for God’s Blessing

by Rick Warren — April 28, 2022
From Time to Dream: Trusting God to Open Doors

“I will not let you go unless you bless me.”

Genesis 32:26 (NIV)

When God blessed Jacob, he promised to give him land, multiply his family, make him a mighty nation, and use him to bless the world. He made Jacob and his family God’s chosen people.

But just like he does with you today, God gave Jacob a promise and then tested his faith in that promise.

In Genesis 32, Jacob struggled with God all night long in a wrestling match that tested his patience, faith, and trust. Then God injured Jacob at his hip and gave him a serious disadvantage. Jacob was hurt and tired, and yet, at dawn, he still said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26 NIV).

Isn’t that an interesting thing to say to somebody you’re wrestling with? Apparently sometime during this all-night struggle, Jacob became aware that the one he was wrestling with was no ordinary individual—but God. That meant God could bless him. And so, he refused to let go.

Maybe you feel like you’re wrestling with God right now, and the struggle is lasting way too long. Maybe you don’t want to do the things God has told you to do, like tithe or obey his rules for sex or be kind to your enemies.

The very God you’re wrestling with is the one who gives you your dream for your life. He’s the one who will make it happen! God’s not trying to thwart your dream. He’s getting you ready for it. Your struggle will build your stamina, deepen your patience, and increase your resilience.

Your wrestling match will also bring you to the point of commitment. Right at the moment when you think you’ve got to give up, you need to turn to God and say, “I’m in this struggle as long as it takes for you to do your good work in me and bless me.”

That kind of response to God’s test will show him that you’re ready for his dream for your life.

Talk It Over

  • What things in your life do you think God would want to bless? What things are keeping you from his blessing?
  • How does God help you when you commit to his work in your life, even when it is painful?
  • It what ways has your struggle with God built your stamina, deepened your patience, or increased your resilience?

There is No Condemnation for Those Who Belong to Christ

Because of what Jesus did on the cross, you have no need to fear death. Jesus has paid for your sins and prepared a beautiful eternity in heaven for you. But eternal life cannot be earned; you have to accept that gift by trusting in Jesus. The Bible says, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’ve never accepted God’s grace and mercy, why wait any longer? If you’re ready to step across that line and make a decision to follow Jesus, pray this prayer:

“Dear God, I need your mercy. I know that one day I’m going to die and face eternity. In my life here on earth, I’ve messed up. I have loved other things more than I have loved you. I’ve lived by my plan, not yours. I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I want to live by your plan, starting now.

“Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place like heaven. So, just like that thief on the cross, I humbly say to you: “Remember me.” I ask you to save me, and to help me as I face the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that so often cause me to stumble.

“I thank you for your mercy and humbly ask you to accept me into your family. Jesus, I ask all this because of what you did for me on the cross. In your name I pray. Amen.”

If you just prayed to accept Jesus, please email me at [email protected] and let me know about it. I’d like to send you some free materials to help you start your journey with Jesus.


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