Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 3

Fast Devotional – Day Three

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Title: Jacob Surrenders Control

Text: Genesis 32:22-32Written by: Todd Houston

Thoughts:

As a bit of history, Jacob was born to Isaac and Rebecca and was a twin to his brother Esau.  Jacob had a history of taking advantage of situations, like when he made a deal with Esau for his birthright over a bowl of soup.  Later, he deceived his blind father to get the family blessing.  Both of these situations caused severe tension with Esau, as you can imagine.  Years later, we come to a time in Genesis 32:22-32 where Jacob is returning to face his brother, after fleeing to live with his uncle.  The night before Jacob is to meet Esau, it says Jacob wrestled with God.  In Genesis 32:26, Jacob panted, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”  Jacob’s previous blessing from his earthly father came from deceit, but this blessing from God came from an intense struggle that led to Jacob’s name being changed to Israel and his hip being dislocated.  This struggle was physical as well as spiritual.  Jacob could no longer manipulate the circumstance, but with this struggle came surrender to God’s will, a new identity, and a limp to be a constant reminder.

Challenge:

At the beginning of 2025, my struggle with God was a desperation for him to complete the process of removing a near lifelong stronghold in my life.  I was so tired of straining and longed for God to release the final ropes that held me captive.  At the end of 2025, to God’s glory, I can say I received that long-awaited blessing.  God transformed that area of my life, and he can do that for you.  Yes, I can say I have some scars to show from the battle.  If you’re longing for transformation, I encourage you to surrender your struggle to God. Hold tightly to His promises, even when the process is painful, because His blessing is worth every moment.

Prayer:

God, I know you have blessings for me, but Jacob shows some blessings come from intensely pursuing you, from clinging to you and to your promises even in the pain.  Help me not to give up following you even when the road is difficult.  Help me to die to self and surrender wholeheartedly to your ways.  Do the work in me that only you can do!