Jacob Wrestles with God

Have you ever wrestled with the Lord?

Today's Through the Bible Reading: Genesis 31-32

Abbreviated Reading: Genesis 32

I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast shewed unto Thy servant...Genesis 32:10

God had blessed Jacob immensely. God had revealed Himself to Jacob (Gen 28:12); had given him promises (Gen 28:14); had caused his work to prosper under Laban’s employment (Gen 31:6-12); and yet… difficult times still came. 

In today’s reading we find Jacob in a tough spot! He was being falsely accused (Gen 31:1); His father-in-law was an unfair employer; and Jacob's plan was to sneak out of town - moving his entire family. Laban didn't like that and was in hot pursuit. At the same time, Jacob's brother Esau, who had previously threatened to kill Jacob (Gen 27:41) was on his way to meet Jacob in the desert. Talk about a stressful situation.

Yet, in the midst of what would seem like chaos, God was working, blessing, directing.

God used all these circumstances to reveal Himself to Jacob and bring him to a pivotal point in his acknowledgement of God. All these difficulties resulted in one night spent where Jacob wrestled with God (Gen 32:24-32). It was at the end of this wrestling match that the old Jacob, whose name meant heal snatcher was changed/transformed and God gave him a new name, Israel.

Prior to this, Jacob always referred to the Lord as “the God of my father” (Gen. 32:9). Afterward, for the first time, Jacob called God his God (Gen. 33:20, 35:3). This wrestling match was a battle of the will. After wrestling with God all night, the crooked heel-chatcher Jacob was given a new name—Israel, signifying one who has power with God (Gen. 32:28). God’s touch changed the way Jacob walked (Gen. 32:31–32), and here, in this battle of wills, God claimed his life.

God used all of Jacob’s difficulties to bring him to a place, where after 20 years of “knowing about” God, Jacob would have fellowship with God as his Lord.

If you are in a season of chaos, know that God is for you and not against you. Just like Jacob, He has given you a new name - you bear His name and you have favor with Him through Christ.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Whatever promises He has made still stand firm. Whatever blessings He has given remain. Whatever gifts He has granted endure. He is leading and guiding in a way that is best, and BEST means HIM and only Him.

Jacob would never be the same after that wrestling match. God touched his hip and he was left with a limp, a constant reminder that he couldn't carry himself in his own strength. Our difficult times often leave us with heartache and scars. But those pains can be such a blessing as we rely on God’s strength and lean on Him!

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

by Sharon Kaselonis / All rights reserved ©