Let me ask, what is the crisis stage of conflict? You know, the failing family tensions that leave you drained. Workplace arguments that replay in your mind. Or friendships that fracture and weigh heavy on your heart. But there comes a moment when the conflict shifts. It's no longer about them. It's about God. It's that terrifying. But only stage when the fight is no longer horizontal. It's vertical. Hi, I'm Rob Westwood-Payne Payne, the Salvation Army officer, and welcome to the Battle Drill Daily devotional. Jacob knew this all too well. His life was one long story of conflict trickery with his brother. He saw strife with his father in law Laban and tension even within his own family. And eventually he could run no more. Genesis chapter 32, verse 24 tells us this left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break. Alone in the dark. Nowhere left to hide. Maybe you know that speaks to the night you can't sleep. The thoughts you can't quiet. The heart's torn between surrender and control. That's the crisis. State of conflict. When the real battle is no longer with people, but with a God who calls you to surrender. Here's the surprising truth God is not afraid of your wrestling. In fact, he welcomes it. He would rather you wrestle with him than drift away from him. Jacob discovered they set the job up river. He realized he couldn't overpower God. All he could do was cling to him and say, I will not go unless you bless me. You see, the crisis stage isn't a punishment. It's an invitation. It's God saying, let's settle this in. Let me be Lord of your life. The sleepless night, the inner turmoil, the tug of war between your will and his. It's not wasted. It's the very place where blessing begins. So what happens when you wrestle with God? First he strips away the illusion of control. Jacob. Jacob couldn't manipulate his way out this time. And now neither can wait. Second, he touches us in our weakness. Jacob left limping, a reminder that his strength wasn't enough. Third, he gives us a new identity. Jacob walked away as Israel, the one who wrestled with God and prevailed. Not by force, but by surrender. Maybe you're wrestling right now. Wrestling with a broken relationship. Wrestling with fear about the future. Wrestling with an addiction you can't seem to shake. Well, then hear this. The struggle with God isn't to destroy you, but to reshape you. The limp becomes the mark of blessing. So what's our part in all this? Three simple steps for you to think about. Number one, name the struggle. Be honest with God about what you're fighting. Say it out loud. He already knows, of course, but honesty opens the door. Number two, cling to God. Don't run from him. Don't quit. Pray Jacob's prayer instead. I will not let you go unless you bless me. And number three. Surrender. Control. Stop asking. How do I win this fight? And instead start asking, Lord, what do you want? Change in me through this. That's where transformation happens. Not in overpowering God, but in allowing him to overpower your pride. Your fear, and your resistance. And the payoff. You walk away. Change like Jacob. You may limp, but you'll carry a blessing, too. You'll discover that crisis is not the end. It's the turning point. The crisis stage of conflict leads to a new name, a new future, and a deeper intimacy with the God who never lets go. Now, if this message spoke into your struggle today, please like this devotional so others searching for encouragement can find it and drop the words I will not let go in the comments. It might just be the reminder that someone else scrolling by needs to see. And don't forget to subscribe to The Battle Journal Daily Devotional for more short, powerful devotionals rooted in God's Word. Let's pray together. Lord, I confess that I often struggle against you. I try to control when I should surrender. Meet me in my crisis. Bless me as I cling to you. Give me a new identity in Jesus. Amen. I remember this today. The crisis stage of conflict is not your undoing. It's your remaking. The wrestling may leave you limping, but it also leaves you truly blessed. Stay strong, stay surrendered, and stay battle ready. Thanks so much for watching Battle Drill Daily Devotional. If you found today’s message helpful, please like, share, and subscribe so we can keep bringing daily encouragement to more people. And for more devotionals and resources, head over to battledrilldevotional.com. Stay strong, and stay battle ready.