Previously, God has appeared or spoken to Jacob several times during his 20-year sojourn to Aram. In obedience to God’s command, he is returning to the land of his inheritance. The Lord has just protected him from the vengeance of his father-in-law, Laban. Now the Lord sends angels to encamp around him to assure him of protection from the impending brother reunion.

When Jacob sends a message about his arrival to Esau, he discovers that a 400-member greeting party is on their way. Fear overwhelms Jacob. He breaks his group into two and then begins to pray reminding the covenantal God of his promises, Jacob’s obedience, humbly thanking him for massive blessings, and now asking for protection for his family from the possible revenge of his brother. After his prayer, as usual, Jacob is figuring a plan how he can manipulate the situation by giving gifts and being submissive to Esau.

After securing his possessions, he desires to be alone possibly to plan his approach when a man (God in human form) wrestles all night with him. You might say, “Why didn’t the Lord just pin him down?” Wouldn’t that have reinforced his weak, fearful position? “Why couldn’t the Lord allow him to win using his strength and strategy (his past modus operandi)?” Would that have given Jacob confidence in the Lord’s power and purpose?

When the new day approaches, the Lord gives Jacob a physical reminder of his power. That’s when, even injured, he clings on to the Lord … not to show dominance but to ask for his blessing. Now, a willing vessel, he receives a new name, Israel, because he’s changed … he has struggled with both man and God but prevailed preparing him for the rest of his covenantal life.

Do we cling on to God’s Word, his promises, his commands? In physical, mental, emotional struggles, do we stand firm ready to receive the Lord’s strength in our own weakness or do we try to figure things out on our own or worse yet, give up?

Father, may the struggles in our lives build character, patience, more faith and hope … dependence totally on you and your Word.

Sherry Van Huisen