Sea Change Podcasts

Episode 7: The Struggle: The Story of Isaac

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Life is full of struggles—physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual—but the key to handling them is trusting God instead of trying to control everything yourself. In Genesis 25:19-28, Jacob and Esau struggled even before they were born, showing that challenges are just part of life.

What We Learn From This Story:

  1. Struggles Are Inevitable – We all face challenges in different ways:

    • Worldly struggles – Competing for success and recognition.
    • Family struggles – Tension between parents, siblings, or loved ones.
    • Spiritual struggles – Wrestling with doubt, purpose, or God’s plan.
    • Physical struggles – Health problems, pain, or exhaustion.
    • Emotional struggles – Feeling anxious, lost, or forgotten.
    • Jacob Made Life Harder for Himself –

      • From birth, he grasped Esau’s heel, always fighting for position.
      • He tricked his family but was later deceived himself.
      • He played favorites with his own kids, causing division.
      • Letting Go & Trusting God – Jacob’s life changed when he stopped striving and started surrendering to God (Genesis 32:26).

      • God Fights for Us When We Trust Him – Instead of trying to handle everything on your own:

        • Romans 9:10-13 – God’s plan is bigger than we understand.
        • Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

          Reflection Questions:

          • What are the biggest struggles in your life right now?
          • How do you usually seek answers from God?
          • In what ways do we make life harder for ourselves?
          • What does it mean to let go and trust God in your own life?
          • How can you stop fighting for control and start surrendering to God?

            • Practical Steps:

            1. Recognize your struggles – Talk to God, read His Word, and seek wise advice.
            2. Let go of control – Trust that God knows what’s best for you.
            3. Shift from striving to surrendering – Instead of trying to fix everything, lean on God’s strength.

              Struggles will always be part of life, but God is bigger. Will you keep fighting for control, or will you trust God to lead the way?



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              Sea Change PodcastsBy La Jolla Christian Fellowship