Wrestling with God

Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” (Genesis 32:28)

Jacob, who had deceived his brother and had subsequently been deceived by his first wife and father-in-law, is returning to his homeland to face his brother after twenty years in exile. On the night before his meeting with Esau, left alone, Jacob wrestles all night with God, in the form of a man or angel. This Godly being overcomes him but not before the following events occur:

The angel of God dislocated Jacob’s hip, leaving him with a permanent limp.

Jacob requests a blessing from God. (Mirroring the blessing he has tricked his father Isaac into giving him, this request may signify his desire for a genuine blessing from his Heavenly Father).

The man of God causes Jacob to identify himself. Again, Jacob had previously falsely identified himself as Esau when seeking his Father’s blessing.

The angel gives Jacob a new name, Israel, and blesses him. Jacob means deceiver. Israel means he struggles with God.

What can we learn from this passage? How does it relate to our lives today? I believe that struggle is an important part of a Christian journey. Either through our own sinfulness, the actions of others or because God allows a season of testing in our lives, we may find ourselves in a place where we are not enjoying the relationship with God and His peace amid our circumstances as we should have.

We may well argue with God, or berate Him or rage against our circumstances, the hurt of others, the unfairness of life. We can pray and fast. We look to God for answers and are sure our case is just. Sometimes when we expect God to swiftly come to our aid, “the heavens are as brass and the ground below as hard as iron” (Deuteronomy 28:23).

Just as Jacob wrestled with God throughout the night, so we too may have times when our wrestling will take a long period to work through. It may leave permanent scars. We will not be the same after such testing. But in the end, if we allow Him to, God will use it for our blessing. If we humbly turn to Him, acknowledging our sinfulness and dependency on Him, He will change us for the better.

Like Israel, God has a new name prepared for each of us: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” (Revelation 2:17)

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person visiting here who is struggling and working through the issues in their lives. Sometimes it seems to take such a long time Lord. We don’t always understand why situations take the course that they do. But Lord, we know that ultimately You can and will use any circumstance to reveal Your glory and holiness, above any plans or purposes that we make. Thank You that You comfort and sustain every heart that is dedicated to You. Thank You Lord Jesus for the sacrifice You gave for each one of us on the cross. I commit my brothers and sisters reading here to Your tender loving care in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen