Talk is cheap; but a walk happens. When someone welcomes Christ into their life, a new manner of living materializes. A born-again person experiences new interests and different desires. New behaviors manifest as the Holy Spirit maneuvers us through a life that is now governed by God.

Jacob’s encounter with God resulted in a transformation that was obvious to anyone who knew him. Genesis 32:24-32 brings to light a spiritual truth from a physical experience. Jacob met a man of whom he would later say, “I have seen God face to face.” This man wrestled all night long with Jacob. As dawn was breaking, he dislocated the socket of Jacob’s thigh, causing a limp which Jacob would retain for the rest of his life. Jacob’s new walk through this world would be permanently identifiable.

After his encounter with God, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. He was quite the supplanting trickster before, but now he was governed by God. Being born-again of the Spirit changes our lives forever too. Our self-led life becomes one which is then governed by God. Some who struggle in our walk might consider the following perspectives, rather than wrestling with God:

1) Since conversion brings new life, be willing to experience godly changes continuously. Like Jacob, we have been offered a Spirit led, new way of living. Original behaviors displeasing to God are intended to bite the dust.

2) George Muller once said, “The life lived for God, is a life lived with God.”

3) New life is a gift from God. What you and I do with it, is our gift to Him. Remember, we get but one shot at this life.

4) When the tree stops growing, it’s dead; so keep growing. Be sure, that when we leave our choices to God, He always gives us what’s best.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Pastor Huck