Read Genesis 32 – 33
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. Genesis 32:24 KJV
Filled with fear at the thought of meeting his brother after years of separation, Jacob got alone for a restless night with God. The text says a man wrestled with him. This was no ordinary man, but a messenger from God. The prophet Hosea (12:2) says Jacob wrestled with an angel and ultimately with God, for he says Jacob struggled, wept, and pleaded with God through the night. With all the turmoil of his life, this was to be the greatest struggle of his life, and it brought about the greatest change. For that night, God changed his name from Jacob meaning deceiver, to Israel which means Prince of God. Who would have thought this man who left home so many years before seeking self-exaltation, would now return walking different, the mark of his encounter with God, having been exalted by God himself? If you feel yourself struggling with God, don’t let go until He changes you.
Lord, I know you still struggle in a personal way with people for the saving of their souls and the transformation of their lives. I am grateful for the times of struggle I have had with you. You did not change my name, but you changed my destiny. Thank you for the opportunity to struggle with you.
A question to ponder: As with Jacob, our times of struggle with God often take the form of weeping and pleading, can you identify such times of struggle in your relationship with God?
