21 Days of Prayer - PersevereSample

When You’re Wrestling with Something

To understand the significance of Jacob wrestling with God, we must realize Jacob’s history before this moment. “Jacob” means “one who follows another’s heels; supplanter.” While Jacob is the second-born of twins to Isaac and Rebekah, he deceives his father to steal his brother’s birthright. With the fear that Esau, his brother, would retaliate, Rebekah urges Jacob to leave and go to her brother, Laban. He also goes in search of a wife. Laban turns out to be quite the trickster himself, and Jacob is deceived into 20 years of labor by his uncle.

After escaping from Laban, he is about to encounter Esau, the brother he tricked out of his birthright. Before he meets with him, an unnamed man wrestles with Jacob. This “man” turns out to be God. Jacob refuses to let go until this “man” blesses him. He perseveres even after this mysterious figure injures his hip. Jacob refuses to let go!

Jacob had gotten his previous blessing through deceitful means. This time, he goes to the right source. More accurately, the right source comes to him. James 1:17 declares that “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Our blessings come from God. We don’t have to lie, deceive, or charm our way into being blessed. All we have to do is stand still and look up. 1 Timothy 6:12 says to “fight the good fight of faith,” and we do this by depending on God.

Ultimately, just like with Abraham and (later) Saul, God changed Jacob’s name to Israel because “he struggled with God and humans and overcame” (Genesis 32:28). God can also change your name and your story to one of victory and abundant blessings if you continue to persevere. Keep fighting.

Ruby Washington

Prayer Point: What are you wrestling with? Pray about this and ask God to give you wisdom and bless you in this area.