“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak” (v. 24, NAS).
Jacob had immediately left his confrontation with Laban, which could have proved disastrous for his entire family, and was proceeding toward another potentially devastating meeting with his brother Esau who had earlier determined to kill Jacob. God had previously promised Jacob his descendants would be made into a great nation, yet his doubt and fear were overwhelming, thus greatly limiting his trust in God. It is noteworthy Jacob’s name was changed to “Israel,” which is interpreted “he struggles with God.”
In what areas of our lives are we struggling with God and are unwilling to completely trust him in troubling situations? Are we, like Jacob, fearful in areas where we attempt to derive a human solution rather than seeking God’s will and discernment? It has been said courage is not the absence of fear, but doing what we know is right in the midst of our fear. We need to stop struggling with God and grow in our faith and trust in him.
Lord, I desire to walk in faith with you. Work the courage of your Spirit in my life so that, in spite of my fear, I will exemplify a life of trust in you as I seek your will, wisdom and discernment in my daily life.
Robin Buchanan
Extended Scripture: Genesis 32-22
