Greg Laurie: A New Beginning Wrestling with God | The Illusion of Control
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May 4, 2026 A look at Jacob’s night of wrestling with God as a portrait of human resistance and surrender. Stories and arm-wrestling anecdotes illustrate stubbornness and spiritual struggle. Themes include facing the past, being renamed and transformed, learning to listen in silence, and moving from resistance to rest.
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Arm Wrestle Stories Illustrate Unexpected Reversals
- Greg Laurie recounts an arm-wrestling scene where he beat a pastor and a petite woman later beat the pastor, illustrating unexpected outcomes.
- The story sets up the sermon theme: wrestling with God often ends with surprising reversal and humility.
God Sees Future Potential Not Just Past Failings
- Jacob's wrestling with God transformed his identity from conniver Jacob to Israel, showing God sees potential beyond present failings.
- Greg Laurie emphasizes God envisions what we can become, not just who we are now.
Waiting And Listening Won Over A Resistant Pastor
- Laurie shares a reconciliation story where waiting in line and listening turned a critical pastor into a supporter.
- His patience to stand, listen, and agree led the pastor to join their crusade, showing humble engagement opens doors.
