Is Change Possible?

Genesis 32

If you could change something about yourself or your what would it be?

Change is a part of .

Any real lasting change must begin on the – that’s where God works.

Notice – Jacob was – ()

In the womb he took his brother by the heel, and in his mature strength he contended with God. Yes, he wrestled with the angel and prevailed; He wept and implored His favor. He found Him at Bethel, and there He spoke with us.
Hosea 12:3-4 NASB

When the man saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was dislocated while he wrestled with him.  Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Genesis 32:25-36 NASB

Insights – How God Brings Change

1^st

The angel could see in this struggle – it was a beyond .

Here we see – God desires to our .

It is often a situation and one where we cannot .

Change comes when we feel:

, ,

Our of change normally has to be outweighed by the we are experiencing.

2^nd

Then he said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” But he said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Gen. 32:26 NASB

Things didn’t happen night – and – they usually don’t change in a .

Some things that need to come around are:

, ,

It also takes time to to the new.

Another way of saying this is:

“ in ”

“ give ”

3^rd

So he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.”
Gen. 32:27 NASB

His name meant:

“” or “”.

We need to admit our – what we are really .

This is called – being or coming

Change doesn’t happen until we who we are.

This is very .

4^th

And you shall say, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob also is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the gift that goes ahead of me. Then afterward I will see his face; perhaps he will accept me.”
Gen. 32:20 NASB

Change happens when we come to with God.

Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have contended with God and with men and have prevailed.”
Gen. 32:28 NASB

• God gives us a new .

Did you notice?

Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his hip.
Gen. 32:31

This is a lifetime – no longer in your own strength.

• Jacob had been a – now he would have to and his situations.