I SURRENDER ALMOST

In yesterday’s message, we explored the story of a man named Jacob in the Bible.  His life is woven together with the thread of “almost.”  Many times he found himself incredibly close to God’s plan for his life, but he would so very often pull up short before he reached the goal.

Here is a review of Seven Key “Almosts” in Jacob’s life:

• Almost Never Happened: Jacob’s mother, Rebekah, was barren, but his daddy, Isaac, prayed for her, and she conceived twins.

Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was barren. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.  (Genesis 25:21)

• Almost The First Born Son: Even from the womb, Jacob was grasping for the blessings of God as he grasped at his brother’s heal when he was born.  Esau was still the firstborn, but Jacob connived his way into getting the firstborn son’s benefits.  He bought the birthright for a bowl of beans, and he stole the blessing with a bowl of soup.

After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob.  (Genesis 25:26)

• Almost blessed By God: God appears to Jacob and speaks amazing promises over his life, but Jacob tries to connive God.  He tries to hijack the blessing and make a deal with God’s promises.  Jacob responds to God’s promises with a statement of, “If you will bless me, then I will follow you.”

There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will… Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will…”  (Genesis 28:13-20)

• Almost Married The Girl Of His Dreams: In one of the most heartbreaking stories of the Bible, Jacob wakes up the morning after his wedding to discover he is married to the wrong woman.

When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”  (Genesis 29:25)

• Almost Got Paid For Years Of Work For His Father-In-Law: Jacob’s father-in-law, Laban, steals the flock of sheep he had promised to give to Jacob.

“Agreed,” said Laban. “Let it be as you have said.” That same day he removed all the male goats that were streaked or spotted, and all the speckled or spotted female goats (all that had white on them) and all the dark-colored lambs, and he placed them in the care of his sons. Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks.  (Genesis 30:34-36)

• Almost Leaves His Father-In-Law Behind: Jacob attempted to leave his father-in-law’s house and get a fresh start on life, but his wife, Rachel, stole her father’s idols and brought all of the spiritual junk with them.

When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was running away. So he fled with all he had, and crossing the River, he headed for the hill country of Gilead.  (Genesis 31:19-21)

• Almost Repents And Gets Right With God: In fear of losing his life, Jacob cries out to God for protection, but he ends up wrestling with God rather than surrendering to Him.  Jacob almost loses a leg in that wrestling match.

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.  (Genesis 32:24)

But something happens in the middle of Jacob’s almost life.  God steps in.  God doesn’t just almost step in.  God steps in.  And God fulfills His promise to Jacob, and His purpose for Jacob’s life.

I challenge you to leave your life of “almost” behind.  Allow yourself to fully surrender to God, and dare to discover what He can do through a life that is completely given over to Him.

 

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BULLET TRAIN PRAYER

One of my favorite conversation openers usually goes something like, “Man, I had a weird dream last night.”  You never know where it’s gonna go from there — talking wolves, sections of sewer pipe, or even a full scale military invasion may come next.  Our dreams are a mysterious aspect of our lives.

Sometimes dreams are simply the product of our mind trying to process the events of our life, but the Bible records and history affirms that dreams are a remarkable platform for interaction with our Creator.  Modern science indicates dreams occur in the subconscious section of our brain where we do not battle with inhibition.  And in the place where inhibition is turned off, it seems the voice of God makes more sense — the outlandish suddenly becomes possible.

 My friend, Peter Lopez, recently had what I would classify as a “God dream.”  In the dream he saw a beautiful train station with bullet trains coming from and going to all the nations of the earth.  You can read the full account of his dream by clicking here.

 We believe the bullet trains are a picture of the Sweetwater Prayer Center, and we have a twofold vision for the Prayer Center to be a “House of Prayer for All Nations.”  First, we desire to have a representative of every nation pray in the Sweetwater Prayer Center.  Second, we desire to cover all of the nations of the earth in prayer through the Prayer Center. 

 You can partner with us in this vision by prayerfully considering a nation you would like to adopt.  Then, please let us know what nation you will be interceding for.  We have a list of nations waiting to be adopted on the wall in the Prayer Center, or you can post a comment if you already know your nation.

 I look forward to the day when someone from your adopted nation joins us in the prayer center!

 “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.” Psalm 2:8. 

 May the Lamb who was slain receive the full reward of His suffering.

 

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