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Genesis 32:24-31
So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.” Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.
Additional Scripture References: Genesis 32:24-31, Genesis 31:31, Ephesians 5:18, John 8:33, Genesis 28, Hebrews 11:21; Exodus 3 Psalm 18; Matthew 8; Matthew 16 Acts 9
Just as Jacob wrestled with God in Genesis 32, we often find ourselves caught in the cycles of busyness, striving or avoidance, trying to outrun our struggles. But God doesn’t meet us in the running; it happens in the wrestling. More than wrestling, God meets us when we stop, surrender, and allow Him to change us. True surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s about opening up ourselves to God and allowing Him to replace our old identity with the new one He’s giving us. It is an intentional choice to stop running from our pain, past, and even God Himself, but instead run towards Him. Like fish need water and trees need dirt to thrive, we need God. He alone is the source of life. His presence changes us and if we stay long enough in his presence we will experience Him.
We’ll truly never be alive unless we are connected to God.
Life often feels like a race, doesn’t it? We find ourselves running—running to keep up at work, rushing to meet family obligations, moving from house to house, or even relationship to relationship. This relentless motion can blur our vision, making it easy to lose sight of God’s purpose for our lives. In the busyness, God calls us to stop—not just to rest, but to surrender. When we pause long enough to meet Him, we have a life-changing encounter with Him.
Facing the truth about ourselves is one of the hardest things we can do, but self-awareness is key to intimacy with God. Spending time with the Lord brings us face-to-face with Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden pain, doubts, anger, and fears. Like Jacob, who wrestled with God and came face to face with Him, we must confront our struggles to be transformed into who we’re meant to be.
Exhausted from running from Esau, Laban, and himself, Jacob found himself face-to-face with the One he had been running from all along: God. In his desperation, Jacob asked, “Who are you?” but God revealed Himself through action instead of answering with words. God always reveals himself to us in the way we would understand most. Will you allow God to reveal himself to you?
This week, take intentional steps to surrender fully to God. Replace lies you’ve believed about yourself with His truth. Instead of running from your struggles, face them with God by declaring who you are in Him. Use the action steps below to invite God into the transformation process and walk in the identity He has given you.
Stop and Reflect
Identify areas where you’ve been running. Whether it’s from pain, busyness or fear, bring them to God in prayer.
Be Honest
Confess to God where you’re struggling or hiding. Ask Him to reveal the truth of who you are in Him.
Declare God’s Truth
Speak life over yourself daily using the Word of God. Words have power and declaring His promises aligns your heart and mind with His truth.
These prayer prompts can guide you in prayers you may need to pray or share with others this week.
Prayer of Surrender:
Lord, I confess that I’ve been running from you, chasing things that I shouldn’t, avoiding confronting reality, and striving in my own strength. Help me to stop and trust you as my guide. Meet me in the stillness and teach me to rest in you.
Scripture: “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10
Prayer for Honesty with God:
“Heavenly Father, you created me in my mother’s womb, therefore you know me better than I even know myself. Help me to stop pretending and show me that I don’t have to hide anything from you. Search me, God, and know my heart. Thank you for loving me just as I am and helping me to be honest with you even when I don’t have the words to say.”
Scripture: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
Prayer for Identity in Christ:
“Heavenly Father, I’ve carried labels and lies that have weighed me down. I surrender those to you today. Remind me that I’m not defined by my past or my failures but by who You say I am, Your child, loved and chosen. Speak truth over me and transform my heart and mind.”
Scripture: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” - Psalm 139:14
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
This isn’t just another conference. It’s a holy moment to encounter Jesus, be filled with His presence, and reset your heart around what matters most. Over three days of powerful worship, teaching, and community, you’ll be equipped to lead with clarity and live with boldness.
From curated workshops to next-level add-ons, VOUSCon is designed to meet you where you are and where you lead—whether that’s in your church, your workplace, or the middle of a major life decision. Every session is crafted to grow your faith and strengthen your voice.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
When: Thursday, June 19th - Saturday, June 21st
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
VOUSCon is here! On Wednesday before kicking off VOUSCon 2025 in strength and unity we are going to pray.
Don't miss the moment to join us in prayer. Please RSVP by clicking here for our FREE VOUSCon Prayer Night
When: Wednesday, June 18th
Time: 7:00PM
Where: Watsco Center
1245 Dauer Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33146
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
Serve Day is happening Saturday, July 12th, and we want to get ALL of our crews involved in loving our city so please sign your crew up for a Serve Day project! To see the projects and sign up, please click here! Please have your form in by Wednesday, July 2nd.
When: Saturday, July 12th
Where: All VOUS Locations
Time: 10:00 AM
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS DD
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 12:00 PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack
