Genesis 32:26 – Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (NIV)

I had been waiting for summer. Now that it had come, I was longing for respite from its sizzling heat. Thus I dug out dusty fans, then strategically positioned them to avail myself of their cooling breeze. What relief those whirling blades brought to my stifling situation!

Likewise, God's Holy Spirit is able to bring similar relief into our lives, when the heat of life's sizzling challenges threatens to stifle us spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. His presence can be as a refreshing breeze when we take time to seek and listen to His still small voice within us. When we do so, He brings relief through reminding us of all that we have already learned concerning God's truths and how they interact in our lives. He is then able to prompt us to put these truths into action — actions which strengthen us to stand firm against the heat of spiritual battles. He also comforts us amidst all our struggles, so that we, in turn, may be able to comfort others in their time of need, a ministry that produces a breeze of refreshment to our souls.

Availing myself of the Spirit's help, however, continually takes practice, for I have often discovered that I must first wrestle with myself before He is allowed full access to my heart. I must muscle my pride, which dictates that I can handle things my way, out of the way. I must put self-discipline ahead of reactive anger, which would rather throw a tantrum than be cool-headed. I must actively choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart instead of my own understanding, even when I don't understand what God is doing. Much like Jacob, who wrestled with God all night, refusing to let Him go until He blessed him, I, too, must wrestle against myself to let go and let God bless me through the refreshing breeze of the guidance and wisdom of His Spirit.

What about you? Does letting go of self and letting God bless you come easily, or do you wrestle much like I do? I suspect that if we're honest, we're all wrestlers at heart from time to time, for as humans, we tend to react within the heat of the moment rather than remembering to entrust the battle to God, allowing Him to handle it for us, through the working of His Spirit within us.

Amidst the heat of whatever battles that may come our way today, which will you choose: to let go of self and let God, or to continue wrestling in the heat?

Prayer: Father God, help me to learn, daily, to let go of self and to grab onto You and Your Spirit to find cooling relief amidst the heat of the battles of this world. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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