Holding And Yet Held Firm

… you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Genesis 32:28 (NIV) 

Ever since Genesis 3 in history when imperfection entered the world via imperfect human choices, perfect storms have been a guarantee for us all. In the guarantee of “life storms”, which by definition is anything that stresses us out, we also have the guaranteed choice to ride peacefully through if we want. So why are we so often found floundering in a flooded mess of fear, anxiety and yes, stress in our storms?! 

It’s simple… we let go of our Anchor (Hebrews 6:19). 

We let go of our Anchor then we lose our fixed focus (Hebrews 12:1-3) and we find we are fighting the wind and the waves to the point of exhaustion. We will struggle in life, the storms can hurt and wound and devastate but they do not have to take us down. Jacob was a man who struggled in life but in all the storms he did not let go of God, actually Genesis 32 records him actually in a wrestling match with God! God is not afraid to be wrestled with; He can handle your questions, stress, hurt, doubt, fear and anger – the God who created emotion can handle yours dear one. In all you can’t handle, hold on to the One who can handle you (even if it is to wrestle it out). 

When the storm seems to have drained you of strength to hold on, you will find yourself held in the Hand of peace Himself (Ephesians 2:14). The God who is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9) and good and forever loving (Psalm 136:1), will never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Our God chose to enter our storm and take on the greatest storm of all time. A storm that cost the Father His Son (John 3:16). A storm that would spill Jesus blood and break His body. Jesus held firm so that we could hold firm and yet, praise Him, it doesn’t depend on our strength. He understands and He is enough to anchor you through in peace. You are held, let Him hold you dear one.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)