DCLM Daily Manna 28 December 2024 — Pay Attention To God

Pay Attention to God (DCLM Daily Manna 28 December 2024)

KEY VERSE:
“And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day” (Genesis 32:24).

TEXT:
Genesis 32:24-30 (KJV)

24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 When he saw that he could not prevail against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” But Jacob said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.”
27 And he said unto him, “What is thy name?” And Jacob answered, “Jacob.”
28 And he said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”
29 Jacob then asked him, “Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.” But the man replied, “Why do you ask about my name?” And he blessed him there.
30 Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for he said, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.”

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

Now, let’s turn our attention to Jacob’s story. Jacob found himself in a crisis. He could not return to Laban due to the covenant he had just made not to go back to Haran. On the other hand, moving forward meant facing Esau and the 400 armed men coming with him to seek revenge for the birthright Jacob had stolen. With no other option, Jacob turned to God. Alone, he spent the night praying. There, he wrestled with God, and as a result, his name was changed from Jacob to Israel. On his knees, Jacob obtained a great victory over his enemies. He gained power with God and with men.

It’s important to understand that Jacob didn’t prevail over the angel because of his strength, as some might mistakenly think. Instead, he prevailed because he earnestly pleaded with God for mercy, and God answered him (Hosea 12:3-5).

God often uses various challenges—such as sickness, job loss, failure, or public embarrassment—to humble us and draw our attention to His will. These difficulties push us to our knees in prayer. At that moment, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and our repentance becomes genuine. When we repent sincerely, we can experience true victory.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Sometimes, God uses challenges to grab our attention.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Ezekiel 39-42

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2024 is written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, the founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, located at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.