Pastor Gary Jasmund preached on the topic “Lay Hold of God” in the sermon series ‘Returning to God’, and referred to the story of Jacob wrestling with God (Genesis 32:24-29). 

Reading the entire story of Jacob, we realize that he was always on the run; always strategizing and scheming. Jacob’s weakness was his strength. He was iron-willed, depending on his smartness and strength, and not on God. We need to let go of our self-sufficiency and proclaim with the apostle Paul that our confidence is in God (Philippians 1:6) and that we don’t trust in our own strength (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Only when we reach this point, we can receive the better plan God has for us. Jacob pushed for his own plan until he had encountered God. God change Jacob’s name and gave him a new name and a new character. This would be equivalent to becoming born-again. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey me.” Our obedience to God comes as a result of our love for him. 

If we want to lay hold of God, we must be willing to obey him and let go of the things he asks us to.Jesus’ mother told the people at the wedding at Canaan, “Whatever he [Jesus] tells you, do it.” This is so simple! Just do what he tells you and in doing so we take hold of God. God is asking you today, “What is in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2). We need to let go of what we are holding on to to lay hold of God. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” – Galatians 2:20.

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