At the end of World War II, the US-led Allies defeated both Germany and Japan. Strangely, the two nations have both become world economic superpowers.
      Let me tell you a funny tale. In a poverty-stricken nation, the president and various experts gathered to discuss a way to bring greater wealth to the nation. One of the ministers suggested they start a war much like Germany and Japan had done, and then surrender to the Allies. Then, with the help of the allied nations, they could become economically prosperous. However, most of the people disagreed. They were afraid that if by some strange chance they were victorious, how would they be able to take the responsibility? It is nothing more than a funny tale. When we are in a struggle with God, quick surrender and obedience begets God's help and victory in life. On the other hand, a continued struggle to carry out our will leads to ultimate failure.


1. Jacob's struggle by the ford of the Jabbok
   1) A return journey to his hometown where his brother, whom he cheated 20 years
       earlier, was waiting for him.
      (1) Letting his family and animals cross, he waited by the ford. If his brother
           slaughtered his family and servants, he planned escape. If not, he planned
           to cross, too (Gen. 32:11).
      (2) A man came to confront him in the night. - It may have been that the man
             insisted Jacob cross the ford to his family while Jacob resisted (Gen. 32:24).
      (3) Struggling all night, the man seeing Jacob's resistance, hit his hipbone to make
           him a cripple (Gen. 32:26).
      (4) Realizing his loss of ability to escape, he surrendered and sought blessing. He
           became Israel, which means "one who struggled against God and prevailed"
            (Gen. 32:28,29).
      (5) The man Jacob wrestled was Christ before His incarnation, and Jacob prevailed.
   2) Jacob prevailed (Hosea 12:3-5).
      (1) God is with Jacob who surrendered (Isa. 41:14-16).
      (2) Esau was changed (Gen. 33:4).

2. Christ on Gethsemane
   1) Christ anguished at the thought of carrying the world's sin and dying on the Cross.
      (1) Jesus agonized (Matt. 26:38).
      (2) Jesus' agony and struggle in prayer (Matt. 26:39-45; Luke 22:44).
      (3) Jesus surrendered to God and gave himself over completely.
         - Jesus remained silent at the courtyard of Annas and Caiaphas, and at the
            courtyard of Pilate. Christ was hung on the Cross
            (Isa. 53:7; Matt. 26:53; Phil. 2:8; 1 Pet. 2:22,23).
   2) Jesus, the great victor of resurrection.
      (1) God resurrected Christ to bestow eternal victory (Acts 5:30,31).
      (2) Eternal victory against sin, the world, Satan, illness, and the curse
          (Col. 2:15; 2 Cor. 3:17; 1 Pet. 2:24; Gal. 3:13; Jn. 11:25).

3. Our struggle and the way to victory
   1) Because of the failure to keep the commandments.
      (1) Salvation is by faith, but blessing by keeping the commandments (Deut. 28:1-6).
      (2) To be at God's side, people must keep the commandments (1 Jn. 5:3).
      (3) We are always struggling with the commandments (Rom. 7:22-24).
   2) Struggle with God over life's priorities. - Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness
      (Matt. 6:33).
      (1) Seek first the glory of God's kingdom and the will of Jesus.
         - Christians perpetrated many of the corruption scandals and scams that have
            shaken up the nation (Hosea 12:6).
      (2) Let's bring our desires to submission (Gal. 5:24).
   3) Disobedience to one's calling (the case of Jonah) (Jonah 2:8,9).
      - Resisting God's special order of evangelism, service, mission, devotion, & sacrifice
         (Heb. 12:10).
   4) Those who surrender are blessed for Christ is with them
      (Ps. 25:10; 2 Cor. 10:5; 1 Pet. 5:6,7; Jn. 15:7).


      This is a simple lesson that those who live their lives in God must know. If you surrender to God, you are victorious in life. If you continue to struggle, you will fail. We must consider deeply whether we should live with the name Jacob the deceiver as we face various hardships and troubles, or become Israel who struggled against God but surrendered to receive a life of grace, blessing, and victory. Only those who surrender to God can become Israel.