Transformed by struggle: God’s refining process (Genesis 32; James 1; Obadiah)

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Our spiritual journey is never about avoiding struggles, but about how we navigate them. Genesis 32-33, alongside the prophetic writings of Obadiah 1 and the apostolic insights from apostle Ya’akov (James), reveals a profound truth: transformation comes through wrestling.

Our patriarch Ya’akov (Jacob) embodies this principle perfectly. His very name, Ya’akov (heel-grabber or supplanter), speaks to his initial character — one who manipulates and struggles. But through divine encounter, he becomes Yisra’el (“he who struggles/rules with God”), representing a profound spiritual metamorphosis.

The apostle Ya’akov (James) in James 1:1–12 provides critical insight into this process.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 NASB 1995

The Hebrew concept of emunah (faith/trust) isn’t about passive acceptance, but active engagement with divine challenges.

Scripture consistently demonstrates that struggle is integral to spiritual growth:

• Genesis 32:24-30 (Yaakov’s wrestling match)
• Exodus 15:22-27 (Israel’s wilderness trials)
• Deuteronomy 8:2-5 (God’s purpose in testing)
• Psalm 66:10-12 (Refining through difficulty)
• Zechariah 13:9 (Spiritual refinement process)

Spiritual wrestling match

Like Ya’akov’s nighttime wrestling match with the ish (“man,” revealed in Hosea 12:4 as a malakh Adonai “messenger of the Lord”), our spiritual journey involves intense, personal encounters with God. This isn’t a comfortable process. It’s a transformative struggle that leaves us changed — often metaphorically limping, always fundamentally different.

Our struggles serve multiple divine purposes:

1. Character refinement
2. Spiritual maturity
3. Developing resilience
4. Deepening trust in HaShem (“the Name” of God)

Here’s some of what Scripture says about spiritual wrestling:

• Romans 5:3-5 (Rejoicing in tribulations)
• 1Peter 1:6-7 (Trials proving genuine faith)
• Hebrews 12:7-11 (Discipline as divine love)
• 2Corinthians 4:8-10 (Strength through weakness)

Messianic perspective of trials

Yeshua (Jesus) himself understood this principle. In John 16:33, he declares: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Here are other teachings on this from the Messiah:

• Matthew 10:22 (Endurance leading to salvation)
• Luke 21:19 (Gaining life through perseverance)

This isn’t just theological theory — it’s lived experience. Our trials may not but punishments, but they certainly are opportunities for growth.

How do we navigate these spiritual struggles?

• Prayer (1Thessalonians 5:17)
• Scripture meditation (Joshua 1:8)
• Community support (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
• Maintaining spiritual boundaries (Proverbs 4:23)
• Cultivating humility (James 4:6, 1Peter 5:5)

Role of wisdom in struggle

Apostle Ya’akov emphasizes seeking khokhmah (wisdom) during trials (James 1:5-8). This isn’t merely intellectual knowledge, but spiritual understanding — a gift from Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).

Here are other examples:

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trusting God’s understanding)
• Psalm 119:98-100 (Understanding through divine instruction)
• Colossians 2:2-3 (Wisdom hidden in Messiah)

Believers should uniquely understand struggle. We’re grafted into the olive tree of Israel (Romans 11), inheriting both the challenges and the promises of our spiritual ancestors.

Overcoming pride and embracing humility

The prophet Obadiah warns against spiritual pride (Obadiah 1:3-4). Here are other examples from the Prophets and Writings:

• Jeremiah 49:16 (Deception of self-confidence)
• Proverbs 16:18 (Pride preceding destruction)

Our struggles are not opportunities for self-righteousness, but for genuine transformation.

Developing spiritual resilience requires:

• Consistent faith
• Willingness to be vulnerable
• Openness to divine correction
• Commitment to personal growth

Ultimate redemptive perspective

Our struggles may seem to be random. They’re part of HaShem’s larger redemptive plan, preparing us for the Malkhut Elohim (kingdom of God). So our responses to trials shouldn’t be random. Here are teachings from apostle Paul that help us put our challenges into perspective:

• Romans 8:28-29 (God’s transformative purpose)
• Philippians 3:10-11 (Knowing Messiah through suffering)
• 2Corinthians 3:18 (Transformed from glory to glory)

Conclusion: Transformed by struggle

• Struggles may not be punishments, but opportunities for growth.
• Transformation requires active engagement.
• Divine wisdom is available.
• Community support is crucial.
• Humility is the pathway to growth.

Like HaShem’s renaming Ya’akov as Yisra’el, we are continually being transformed. Our spiritual journey is a constant wrestling match — with ourselves, with circumstances, and ultimately, with God.

• Isaiah 43:1-2 (God’s redemptive promise)
• Malachi 3:3 (Refining like precious metal)
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 (God’s faithful provision)

As believers, we don’t just endure struggles — we leverage them. We see them as opportunities for spiritual elevation, trusting in HaShem’s ultimate plan of redemption through Yeshua.

Our wrestling produces blessing. Our struggles produce strength. Our challenges produce character.

May we continue to wrestle — not in our own strength, but in the power of Ruach HaKodesh, moving from strength to strength, glory to glory. Amen.