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Preaching: Rev. Dr. Stephen M. Fearing

Text: Genesis 32:22-31

Darkness, a riverbank, and a stubborn grip that wouldn’t let go—Jacob’s night at the Jabbok shows how real transformation often starts where our strength runs out. We walk through the tense family history that set the stage for this showdown, from a birth marked by rivalry to years of trickery and distance. Then we slow down inside the struggle itself: the mystery of Jacob’s opponent, the wound that won’t heal by morning, and the audacious demand for a blessing before daybreak.

What happens next reframes identity. Jacob receives a new name—Israel, one who wrestles with God—and rises with a limp that tells the truth about growth. We talk about why faithful people should not fear hard questions, why perseverance in prayer matters, and how a sacred struggle can unmask us and make us whole. The story doesn’t end with private spirituality; it moves toward repair. We trace the path from the wrestling mat to reconciliation with Esau and explore how honest encounters with God equip us for courageous apologies, rebuilt trust, and restored relationships.

This conversation blends biblical storytelling, practical theology, and pastoral wisdom for anyone carrying heavy questions about family, work, community, or the state of the world. If you’re in a season where hope feels like holding on through the night, you’re not alone. Stay with the fight, ask boldly for a blessing, and let the limp become your witness to grace. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage tonight, and leave a review to help others find these stories of struggle and renewal.

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