THE BATTLES OF LIFE

The truth of Jacob’s circumstances is revealed in Genesis 32:28. He was not a weak, defeated, fearful man who needed to run, compromise, and bow. He was a son of God who was called, ordained, and given power to meet the circumstances of life!

Was Jacob someone special whom God would do this for and no other? Is God a respecter of persons? Would He give one of His children the power to overcome the circumstances of life and not another?

Of course not. I have tremendous news for you. What God did for Jacob, He already has done for you. He is just waiting for you to see the situation as it is, to see yourself as you are, to march in and claim the victory He has provided for you already in Christ Jesus.

You, _________(you can insert your own name in this sentence) — have the power to face every circumstance of life! God has already provided it. It remains only for you to apply it. It is yours through your entrance into the family of God. As you received Christ (or receive Christ even now), your name was changed. As a child of God you have power with God and will prevail.

There are circumstances in your life right now — for life is made up of circumstances. Some are good, others bad. Nearly every person reading these words has some battle in their life, some adverse circumstance to meet, some victory that needs to be won. If not, and you have some temporary respite, don’t worry: the battle is sure to come.

We are promised battles:

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12)

But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. (Mark 10:30)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8)

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. (1 Peter 4:12)

You might say, “Brother Conrad, why are you telling me all these negative things about having battles, persecutions, and trials?” Because they are true. This is God’s Word just as truly as any promise in the Bible — but it is not negative! It is in going through battles that we are perfected, that we learn to know and trust God, and that we come to know ourselves.