Thriving in God’s Process
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor Caleb Culver’s sermon from May 18, 2025
Have you ever felt like you’re falling behind in life? Or maybe you’ve been tempted to take matters into your own hands to get ahead? You’re not alone. In the book of Genesis, the story of Jacob and Esau speaks directly to the struggle of mistrust and the anxiety that can come with relying on God’s plan.
At first glance, their story might seem like just another sibling rivalry. But when you look closer, it’s really about identity, trust, and how we grow into who God created us to be.
Let’s begin with Esau. He was the firstborn—he had the birthright, the blessing, the physical strength. And yet, in a moment of weakness, he gave it all up for a bowl of stew. It’s easy to shake our heads at that choice, but if we’re honest, we’ve all done something similar. We compare ourselves to others and start believing that what God has given us isn’t enough. That kind of thinking can lead us to trade away our purpose for something temporary.
The apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians, comparing the church to a human body. Each part matters. The eye can’t do what the hand does, and the foot isn’t meant to speak like the mouth. It’s a humorous image, but it drives home a serious point: when we long for someone else’s role, we risk missing the beauty and purpose of our own.
Now consider Jacob. He knew God had a promise for him, but instead of waiting on God’s timing, he tried to make it happen on his own. He schemed, manipulated, and deceived. Sound familiar? Sometimes we sense God’s calling but grow impatient and try to force things instead of trusting God to lead.
Jacob’s turning point came when he wrestled with God. That moment wasn’t just physical—it was deeply spiritual. And from it, we learn three powerful lessons about how God shapes us:
God draws us close. He doesn’t leave us in our mess. Even when Jacob was facing the consequences of his choices, God met him there and wrestled with him in the dirt. He will meet us too—even in our struggle.
God sometimes wounds to heal. Jacob walked away from that wrestling match with a limp—a daily reminder of his dependence on God. Sometimes our struggles are the very things God uses to humble us, shape us, and draw us closer to him.
God rewrites our story. After that encounter, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel—meaning “one who strives with God and prevails.” It marked a complete shift in identity and purpose. And the good news? God can do the same for us. Our failures do not have to be the end—they can become part of a redeemed story.
Ultimately, this all points us to Jesus. He is the perfect example of trusting God’s process. For thirty years, Jesus lived in quiet obedience before beginning His public ministry. He didn’t force anything. And even before he performed a single miracle, the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
That’s significant. It means God’s delight in us is not based on what we achieve—it’s rooted in who we are: His beloved children.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he didn’t cave. Not because he was trying to prove something, but because he was secure in the Father’s love. The enemy offered him shortcuts, but Jesus chose to wait on God’s timing.
So what does all this mean for us today?
Know your worth. Your role matters in the kingdom—even if it doesn’t look flashy. Don’t trade what’s eternal for something temporary.
Trust the process. God’s timing is always right. We don’t need to manipulate or force outcomes. He will fulfill His promises—in His way and in His time.
Wrestle it out. If you’re struggling, don’t hide it. Bring it to God. He can handle your doubts, emotions, and questions.
Lean into joy. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Not your success. Not your progress. Joy rooted in God’s love will carry you through.
Live from God’s delight. You don’t have to earn His approval—you already have it. Let that truth give you the confidence to walk boldly in your calling.
If you’re in a season that feels slow or hidden, take heart—you’re not behind, and you’re not forgotten. What feels like delay may actually be God’s deep work in you.
Jacob walked away from his wrestle with God changed—not disqualified, but transformed.
God doesn’t rush what he wants to last.
You don’t have to strive to be impressive. You are already deeply loved—and that is enough.
Tap to watch Pastor Caleb Culver’s full sermon on Youtube.
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on this sermon:
Day 1: Embracing Your God-Given Role
Reading: Romans 12:3–8
Devotional: Just as Esau struggled with his role, we too can sometimes undervalue our place in God's plan. Paul reminds us that we are all part of one body with different functions. Reflect on your unique gifts and calling. How might you be tempted to compare yourself to others or devalue your role? Remember, God has intentionally placed you where you are. Your role, no matter how seemingly small, is vital to His kingdom. Today, embrace your position with gratitude and ask God to show you how to use your gifts for His glory.
Day 2: Wrestling with God
Reading: Genesis 32:22–32
Devotional: Jacob's wrestling match with God is a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual struggles. Sometimes, like Jacob, we find ourselves alone, facing our deepest fears and insecurities. It's in these moments that God often meets us, inviting us into a raw, honest encounter with Him. What are you wrestling with today? Bring it before God, not with polite, rehearsed prayers, but with authentic emotion. Remember, God is not afraid of your questions or your pain. He wants to meet you in your struggle and transform you through it.
Day 3: Finding Strength in Weakness
Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10
Devotional: Paul's thorn in the flesh reminds us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Like Jacob's limp, our vulnerabilities and struggles can become the very things God uses to display His strength. Reflect on a weakness or challenge in your life. How might God be using this to draw you closer to Him or to demonstrate His power? Instead of asking God to remove your struggles, try asking Him to reveal His strength through them. Embrace the paradox that in your weakness, you can find true strength in Christ.
Day 4: Delighting in God's Love
Reading: Luke 3:21–22
Devotional: Before Jesus performed any miracles or began His public ministry, the Father declared His love and pleasure in Him. This reminds us that God's love for us is not based on our performance or achievements. He delights in us simply because we are His children. Take a moment to imagine God speaking these words over you: "You are my beloved child, in whom I am well pleased." How does this change your perspective on your worth and identity? Today, rest in the assurance of God's unconditional love for you.
Day 5: Surrendering to God's Process
Reading: Philippians 1:6
Devotional: Unlike Jacob, who tried to manipulate circumstances to fulfill God's promise, we're called to trust in God's timing and process. Paul assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will carry it to completion. This requires patience and surrender on our part. What areas of your life are you trying to control or rush? How might you be resisting God's process? Today, practice surrendering these areas to God. Trust that He is working, even when you can't see it, and that His timing is perfect. Ask for the grace to cooperate with His work in your life, knowing that He is shaping you into the image of Christ.