Wrestling with God

Have you been wrestling with God lately?

“When the man saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip … Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.’ But he said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’”—Genesis 32:25–26 NASB

By the time Jacob returned to his homeland, he had a large family and many servants. On this journey, he faced continual challenges. He also wondered whether his brother Esau was still angry that Jacob had taken his birthright and stolen his blessing.

When his messengers heard that Esau was coming to meet him with 400 men, Jacob imagined the worst. He divided his entourage and sent them ahead. Finally, everyone had gone, and Jacob was alone.

While he was alone, “a man wrestled with him until daybreak” (v. 24). This was no ordinary man, for Jacob later “named the place Peniel” and said, “I have seen God face to face” (v. 30).

The two grappled for hours. The man had superior strength, even dislocating Jacob’s thigh with a touch. Yet Jacob would not give up. As dawn broke, the man asked Jacob to let him go, but he refused: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” In response, the man said Jacob would be known as Israel, “For you have contended with God and with men and have prevailed” (v. 28).

This life-changing moment happened when Jacob was alone. Remember the importance of spending time alone with God—time free from other influences. You need time when He can challenge you, speak to you, and teach you. You need to interact with Him and even wrestle with Him. Spend time alone with your Heavenly Father today!

Reflection Question: What issue have you wrestled with God about recently?