Holding on for Dear Life

Genesis 32:22-31 (ESV)

Life can throw a lot at you. When trials and tribulations come your way, sometimes all you can do is hang on for dear life. In the book of Genesis, we read about a man named Jacob who physically wrestled with God. Just when it seemed like the battle was over, Jacob refused to let go of God. Through Jacob’s story, we learn a valuable lesson about what it means to cling to God and stop trying to do things in our own strength.

1. If you are a parent, how did becoming a parent change your view of how God deals with you?

2. Like Jacob’s limp, what memorials do you have to remind you of lessons learned?

3. When was a time when you surrendered to God?

       a. What was the result?

4. Read Genesis 32:26-27 — Can there be repentance without the admission of guilt? Why or why not?

5. Read John 16:33; Titus 3:4-5; 1 John 5:4-5 — Jacob became Israel the Overcomer: how do we become overcomers?

6. Pastor Luke said that Jacob became a new creation. This is a very “New Testament” term. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 — How does the New Testament “new creation” compare to Jacob’s transformation?

7. What did it take in your life to bring you to salvation?

8. Pastor Luke said that “A lack of prayer conveys that we don’t need God.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

9. Read Deuteronomy 4:7; Psalm 73: 23, 28; James 4:7-8 — Do you ever feel like God is far off? Can you share a prayer experience when you felt God was near.

       a. If we can’t trust our feelings, what can we trust?

10. Do you have any prayer tips to share with the group?