Wrestling With God

May 23, 2025

22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”

But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

27 So He said to him, “What is your name?”

He said, “Jacob.”

28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”

29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”

And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.

30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Genesis 32

The Lord puts us in difficult situations and at times it would seem that we are struggling against God Himself…that He has somehow become our adversary. God is always for us!

Jacob wrestled with the Lord all night and then the Lord said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” But he (Jacob) said, “I will not let You go unless you bless me!”

The Lord could have broken free at any moment, but He lets the scene play out because it delights Him. Jacob had a flawed character but through the struggle he becomes a changed man. Jacob already had the spiritual inheritance and his father’s blessing. Surely any other man would have been satisfied, but Jacob wanted more. That’s why the Lord loved him and rewarded him with a new name and position, Israel (Prince with God).

As Jacob walks away limping it is a stark reminder that when we want more of Him there is always a cost.

What is your struggle today? Cling to the Lord. It’s right where He wants you. You will come through the struggle blessed and know Him better than ever before.