STRUGGLE

In Genesis 32:24-28 there is the account of Jacob wrestling with an angel of God. Per Romans 15:4, this is written for our learning.

Jacob is not the only one who has attempted to wrestle with God. People struggle with God because we don't know how to get what we need from Him. People often struggle with God, by "bargaining" with Him. "God, if you'll do 'this' for me, I'll do 'that' for you."

If God doesn't o.k. the deal, some feel "let down" and offended at God. At some point in their life, many people have tried such "bargaining". Most of them have been disappointed. Why?

Romans 8:6 tells us that the natural mind of man is enmity towards God. It is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be. Such enmity is automatic, without pre meditation. It is just the way a natural, carnal person thinks and responds towards God. It is one reason that a person MUST be born again to enter the Kingdom of God. We must receive FROM God a new nature and mind.

I tried to "bargain" with God once by asking Him to put a "red flag" on His leading, so that I could surely recognize it. That showed that I was trying to use "fleshly wisdom" to help God lead me! I failed. I really needed to grow in spiritual discernment; to come up to God's ways, rather than "pull Him down" to mine.

Mercifully, God has provided in two main ways to help us. First, through the written Word of God, the Bible. Secondly, by the Holy Spirit, Whom He sends to live in every born again believer in Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit works according to 1 John 2:27, working in our heart, not mainly in our fleshly mind. He uses God's written Word to enlighten us; positive statements from God about His will for our life.

If we refuse God's Word, or if we misunderstand it, WE hinder His working in us.

Clearly, mortal, natural man needs supernatural help from God, in order to escape from our sins, carnality, and from STRUGGLING with God. Through Christ, and His Blood, God provided escape from sin and its results. Per the Bible, we need not struggle to get things from God. Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you Mt.7:7."

When we receive the Gift of God's Holy Spirit, (the Biblical Baptism with the Holy Spirit) we receive added help to escape carnal struggling with God, and to receive what we ask from God.

The Holy Spirit enables us to receive the things that God has prepared for us, 1 Cor. 2:9-10 & 14. When we are "in the Spirit" (aware of special activity of the Holy Spirit) God & His ways are plainer and easier to receive. It is easier to believe and to be willing towards God.

Psalms 40:8: "I delight to do thy will, O my God: yes, thy law is within my heart."

If you are struggling with God for some desired help from Him, be encouraged. There is a condition of rest, assurance and victory for you. Quit wrestling, struggling, and trying to get God to "come around", and learn to live IN the Holy Spirit.

That is not an option, it is a necessity. "For if ye live after the flesh, (your carnal inclinations) ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." (Romans 8:13)."

Hebrews 4:2-3 bids us to labor to enter into the rest that God offers us. We can do that by asking God to renew our minds with His Word, until faith enables us to overcome our problem.

Jude verse 20-21 bids: "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

I am saying that there is help from the Lord, if we come to Him according to His written Word, believing what He has said. Sometimes, and for some things, that requires a sustained time of deep heart searching, repentance and dedicating ourselves to Him, lest our natural humanity hinder His will for us.

Isaiah 53:6 is so true for all of us. We have turned everyone to our own ways. But the Lord is our helper, and He will help us overcome our natural weaknesses, if we seek Him. Notice Matthew 7:8: "For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

Being a victorious Christian believer means much more than the first confession of Christ. It means a daily learning from Him, and obedience to Him.

Are you a victorious Christian believer? Do you want to be? Would you like to be "close" enough to God, so that any time that you pray, you know that He is listening and is ready to help you? Do you want to get answers from Him? Do you need supernatural help from God about a problem in your life?

If discouragement and failure grieve you; if it seems that life is "stacked" against you, you can get help from Jesus Christ.

The Scripture says that God satisfies the longing soul. The Lord Jesus said: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." (Mt. 11:28-29).

You can quit struggling, simply by believing what He has promised, and has already done for you at Calvary.

Call upon Him today. He loved you enough to die on the cross for you. That means that He loves you enough to care about your needs now.

God bless you, I love you.