Good Morning,

Genesis 32:24, "And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day."

Jacob meets God while left alone, this night would change Jacob's life. The name "Jacob" literally means heal catcher, he grabbed hold of his twin brother Esau's heal at the time of their birth and this was his given name. The name also carries with it the idea of one who supplants or deceives. Jacob's life had been one of a deceiver, but now on this night he wrestles seeking a blessing from someone greater than himself. He is wrestling with God. In verse 27 he is asked, "What is thy name?" The angel reminds Jacob of his former self, Jacob, the supplanter, the self-reliant, self-seeking. But now he is disabled, dependent on another, and seeking a blessing from another, and for all others as well as himself. No more Jacob shall thy name be called, but Israel - a prince of God, in God, with God.

In a personal conflict, depending on himself, he was no match for God. But in prayer, depending on another, he prevailed with God and with men. The new name is indicative of the new nature which has now come to its perfection of development in Jacob.  Do you need to experience overcoming victory in your life?  Is there some area in your character that you know isn't what God desires it to be? God is the answer for power and strength, for peace and contentment, for encouragement and direction, and for permanent character change. Give yourself to the Lord, He will change and strengthen you.

May we wrestle through prayer and surrender to become a prince with God!  

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1.  How do you live your life?  Examine your heart to see if there are any elements of deception in you.

2.  How would you describe yourself?  Are you self-reliant and self-centered or are you dependent upon God and others focused?

3.  When you are disabled like Jacob (God touched his hollow of his thigh), how do you respond to God?

4.  When is the last time your wrestled with God in prayer?  What was the occasion?  What was the outcome?

Your Friend and His,
Pastor Abbott