CROSSING OVER JABBOK
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 32:22-32
Key Verse: “And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Genesis 32:30)*
Supporting Texts: Genesis 31:3-13; Exodus 14:13-16; Joshua 3:14-17; Isaiah 43:2
INTRODUCTION
Life often brings spiritual crossroads, requiring decisions that determine destiny. Jacob’s encounter at the Jabbok River represents a moment of intense confrontation with God, self, and the past. Crossing over is symbolic of moving from delay, fear, and limitation into fulfillment of God’s promises.
Such moments demand persistence in prayer, trust in God, and willingness to wrestle with internal and external challenges. Crossing over the Jabbok is not just physical; it is spiritual, involving faith that transcends fear, doubts, and past failures.
Believers today are called to experience their own “Jabbok crossings” — places of spiritual breakthrough that lead to restored identity, divine favor, and a new dimension of God’s plan. The lessons from Jacob’s crossing highlight preparation, encounter, transformation, and stepping into divine destiny.
1. PREPARATION FOR DIVINE ENCOUNTER
Before crossing over, spiritual preparation is essential. Jacob divided his family, possessions, and strategies, showing intentional readiness.
a) Separating Assets and Family (Genesis 32:22)
Preparation involves prioritizing resources and spiritual readiness to face God’s assignment.
b) Reflection and Solitude (Genesis 32:24)
Spending time in prayer and contemplation prepares the heart for divine encounter.
c) Facing Fear (Genesis 32:7–8)
Recognizing threats and challenges is part of preparing for spiritual victory.
d) Seeking God’s Guidance (Genesis 32:9-12)
Prayer and petition position believers to move under God’s direction rather than impulse.
Biblical Example: Moses prepared by fasting and seeking God’s guidance before confronting Pharaoh, demonstrating that spiritual readiness precedes divine assignment (Exodus 24:12-18).
2. WRESTLING THROUGH SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES
Crossing over often involves conflict with the flesh, past failures, or spiritual opposition.
a) Engaging in Spiritual Struggle (Genesis 32:24-26)
Jacob wrestled with God through the night, showing that persistence is key to breakthrough.
b) Refusing to Release (Genesis 32:26)
Believers must persist in prayer and faith until God manifests His power.
c) Transformation through Struggle (Genesis 32:25)
Challenges may result in new strength, identity, or insight from God.
d) Seeking Blessing (Genesis 32:27-28)
The goal of spiritual struggle is always alignment with God’s promises and blessing.
Biblical Example: David faced Goliath with faith, persistence, and reliance on God’s power, demonstrating that spiritual victories are achieved through confronting challenges with divine trust (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
3. RECEIVING NEW IDENTITY AND PROMISES
Divine encounter transforms perception, purpose, and destiny.
a) Name Change (Genesis 32:28)
Jacob became Israel, signifying a shift from struggling with God to prevailing with Him.
b) Empowerment for Destiny (Genesis 32:28)
New identity equips for future challenges and God’s purposes.
c) Assurance of Protection (Genesis 32:30)
Encountering God ensures safety, guidance, and preservation.
d) Acknowledgement of Divine Presence (Genesis 32:30)
Recognizing God’s hand in transformation cultivates worship, faith, and gratitude.
Biblical Example: Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus transformed him into Paul, equipping him for apostolic ministry (Acts 9:1-19).
4. CROSSING OVER INTO NEW PURPOSE
After preparation and struggle, believers must act in faith to fully step into God’s plan.
a) Moving Forward Courageously (Genesis 33:1-4)
Jacob faced Esau with confidence, demonstrating that crossing over requires action in faith.
b) Stewardship of Blessings (Genesis 32:30-32)
Encounter with God demands responsibility over new assignments and spiritual insights.
c) Walking in Obedience (Joshua 3:14-17)
Crossing over involves trusting God to lead in the next stage of purpose.
d) Continual Dependence (Isaiah 43:2)
God’s presence sustains believers through every transition, ensuring victory over adversity.
Biblical Example: Joshua led Israel across the Jordan into the Promised Land by faith and obedience, demonstrating the necessity of action after divine preparation (Joshua 3:14-17).
CONCLUSION
Crossing over the Jabbok represents a decisive moment where preparation, struggle, and divine encounter converge to transform identity and destiny. Jacob’s experience illustrates that spiritual breakthroughs require persistence, humility, and trust.
Believers are called to embrace their own crossings — stepping into God’s promise with courage, faith, and obedience. Every crossing brings new identity, empowerment, and covenantal assurance for fulfilling divine purpose.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, prepare me spiritually and mentally to face every divine assignment in Jesus name.
2. Lord, grant me the courage to persist through every spiritual struggle in Jesus name.
3. Father, transform my identity according to Your divine purpose in Jesus name.
4. Lord, strengthen my faith to move forward with confidence after breakthrough in Jesus name.
5. Father, help me recognize and receive all the blessings You have prepared for me in Jesus name.
6. Lord, guide my steps as I cross over into new assignments and purposes in Jesus name.
7. Father, empower me to overcome every obstacle delaying my destiny in Jesus name.
8. Lord, help me maintain humility and obedience in seasons of divine transformation in Jesus name.
9. Father, let every spiritual struggle result in growth, strength, and testimony in Jesus name.
10. Lord, ensure that I fully embrace my new identity and destiny with confidence in Jesus name.
