CFNN Reporter: Brianna Keen

This Tuesday, Brandon Simpson led the group through Genesis 25:19-27, Genesis 32:24-28, and Exodus 3:6 to the meeting. His focus was on the story of Jacob and how the Lord wrestled him and changed his name. The story goes like this: the Lord came to Rebekkah (Jacob and Esau’s mother) and told her that she would have two sons, but the older would serve the younger. Esau was the oldest son, and therefore Jacob the youngest. However, once they are older, Jacob deceives his brother into giving him the birthright by offering Esau stew for his birthright. Esau, being hungry from coming in from the field, takes the deal. Then, when their father Isaac is old, he calls Esau to him, with the intent to bless him after he goes out and makes his father some food. However, their mother Rebekah overhears this conversation and tells Isaac to go pretend to be his brother in order to receive Isaac’s blessing. Ultimately the plan works, and later Jacob runs from his brother Esau out of fear for his life. When Jacob is in the desert, a man comes to him and wrestles him until the break of dawn. This man was God, and He simply touched Jacob’s hip socket and it was out of place. God then said “Let me go, for the day is broken” and Jacob replied “I will not let you go until you bless me.” Then the Lord changed Jacob’s name to Israel since he “had striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 

A main takeaway from this is that God uses broken people to execute His plans. He blessed Jacob and changed his name to show a change not only in heart but in identity. What a blessing that the Lord chooses and loves those who are wretched sinners, because that is you and me. I urge you to wrestle with God if you do not know Him. Wrestle with His claims and what it means to be a follower of Jesus. I can guarantee you that the best decision you will ever make is to dedicate your life to the Man of Sorrows and Prince of Peace. 

On Thursday, Coach Britt led with a FCA devotion that focused on our faith and how “worn” it is. Does your heart reflect one that is faithfully worn, meaning it has shared the gospel and testified to the good works of the Lord? The metaphor was a pair of brand new cleats that either sit in a box on a high shelf or are used and worn by the athlete. The goal should be for our hearts to be worn like a pair of cleats. Allow your heart to be moved and changed by the One who created it! Let your heart be worn from trials, experiences, spreading the gospel, etc. all for the glory of God. He will wait and wait for you until you open your heart to Him. He allows us free will so He will not just utterly barge into our hearts until we welcome Him. It reminds me of the quote “Jesus is knocking, will you answer?” The best thing you will ever do in your life is to answer brothers and sisters! 

Thank you for reading and remember to pick up your cross daily!