Daily EncouragementSample

That is to say, he was left alone with God. Jacob had planned it so, and had sent everyone and everything across the stream of Jabbok. The situation was a bit too hot for even for Jacob to handle, and he knew that before he met Esau he had better meet with God. Blessed is that man who (whether or not it was through his own fault) finds himself in circumstances that are too much for him and so gets alone with God.

The results of being left alone were for Jacob as far-reaching as they were paradoxical. There was a struggle which resulted in both victory and defeat. Jacob prevailed and yet in himself was rendered powerless. There was strength made perfect in weakness as he clung and cried, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” There was a limp which resulted in a livelier walk with God and a deeper knowledge of him.

Let us not fear being left alone with the God of Jacob or getting to grips with him. We shall probably say little about such times, and all that the world will see will be our limp or some other “thorn in the flesh,” However, through being alone with God we shall come to know his all-sufficient grace and learn to walk as overcomers.