Wrestling with God

 Now he arose that same night and took his two wives and his two maids and his eleven children, and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. He took them and sent them across the stream. And he sent across whatever he had. Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." But he said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed" (Genesis 32:22-28).

We often cry out to God when circumstances are beyond our control. Jacob was facing a difficult, really scary meeting with Esau. Remember, Jacob tricked his father into giving him the blessing that humanly speaking should have gone to Esau.

Would Esau try to kill Jacob? Would Jacob’s family be in danger? Undoubtedly, these were real concerns for Jacob (Genesis 32:11). So, Jacob did what we would all do, he prayed for God’s interdiction. 

However, he didn’t just pray. He wrestled. It has been 60 years since I did any wrestling, but one thing I remember about it, it is exhausting. Therein is the problem.

Our initial response in prayer often gives way to our need for rest. We give up when God doesn’t immediately answer. Or, we pray superficially asking but not pressing for an answer.

Maybe you think it is wrong to press God for and answer, but doesn't He encourage it? Jesus told a parable of a widow who was seeking legal protection from an unrighteous judge (Luke 18:1-8). It was her persistent faith that secured her petition. Etch in your memory what Jesus says at the end of that parable.

And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge *said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:6-8)

There is a key phrase in Jesus’ answer, His elect who cry to Him day and night! Jacob wrestled and would not yield until he received the blessing. When was the last time you wrestled with God?

Here is the interesting thing. Wrestling is not so much about bending God’s arm which is a ridiculous thought. Instead it is about building faith in the God you love and trust. Jacob’s name meant supplanter. He cheated Esua. However, now he is called Israel which signifies he is a prince of God. The wrestling match changed Jacob, and it will change you.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).