From Self-Reliance To Dependence On God
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 32:22-32 and Psalm 97 (NIV)
(Irwin Seet, Chairperson, Worship & Music Ministry)
READ:
Genesis 32:24-26, 30-31 spoke to me especially. Jacob was left alone and wrestled through the night. He refused to let go, saying, “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” By sunrise, Jacob had received God’s blessing, but he also walked away limping.
OBSERVE:
What strikes me is Jacob’s persistent faith and his refusal to let go of God until he receives His blessing. It reminds me that I can come before God honestly and persistently, even when I am struggling or do not understand what He is doing. Yet Jacob’s encounter also teaches me that faith is not about relying on my own strength. He received the blessing, but left with a limp, humbled and more dependent on God. I am reminded that God may sometimes allow weakness in my life, not to diminish me, but to teach me to rely less on myself and more fully on Him.
APPLY:
I recognise that I often like to be in control, whether at work or in ministry. When problems arise, my natural response is to rely on my own experience, judgement, and worldly wisdom to find a solution. While these can be useful gifts, I can become so self-reliant that I neglect to seek God first. Jacob’s encounter reminds me that true faith means holding on to God and depending on Him, especially when I do not have all the answers. I need to pause, pray, and seek His wisdom before acting, trusting that His ways are better than mine.
DO:
When I face challenges, I want to resist the instinct to take control immediately. Instead, I will pause and bring the situation before God, asking for His wisdom and direction before I act. Like Jacob, I want to hold on to God persistently, especially when the answers are unclear, and allow moments of weakness to teach me deeper dependence on Him.
PRAY:
Lord, forgive me for the times when I depend more on my own wisdom and experience than on You. Teach me to seek You first, to hold on to You in uncertainty, and to let go of my need to be in control. Help me trust Your wisdom above my own and depend fully on You, especially when I do not have the answers. Amen.
