4-26-2012 by Boyd Bailey “Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28 God does not let go of His children; in fact there are times that a faith exercise feels like a wrestling match. Life can be good and uneventful, then all of a sudden change ambushes a Christian with a surprise attack. It could be the mental gymnastics of doubting God when a very committed Christian friend seems to be trapped in an unfair circumstance. Or, out of the blue, the deep depression blues can assault the most ardent saints. Indeed, when we wrestle with the Lord there is a blessed outcome. It is not a contentious engagement but one of comprehending Who is really in control. If we fight against God conducting the course of our life, His loving pressure increases—even to the point of intense pain. If, however, we recognize His loving face during these pressure points, we patiently rest in this close proximity to Christ. He energizes our exhausted, feeble soul. “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 2:1-2 Has the Holy Spirit surprised you with a detour in what you thought was God’s will? Have you asked Jesus what blessing He wants to bestow on you and your family? Your spiritual struggle is not without spiritual significance. Blessings are birthed from friction and a feeling of resistance in your faith. Thus, embrace your confrontation with Christ and others as a prayerful process to build your character. His love will not let go of you! Stay engaged with the Almighty and experience His relentless favor. His desire for you is a partnership of prayer that produces a fulfilling life. Change is inevitable as you grow in your intimacy with the Lord. Like the secure sensation of a roaring fire in a fireplace, the closer you get to the heat of the Holy Spirit’s heart, the more He will warm you to His ways. When you feel ambushed by God, see it as your “burning bush” blessing of glory! “So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:3-5 Prayer: Lord, thanks for not letting go of me and for giving me your blessing of glory. Related Readings: Genesis 32:27-29; Mark 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:16-33