Genesis 32

“Four hundred men are with him.” No wonder Jacob is worried! He’s had an encounter with God’s angels that should have assured him that God was indeed with him. But what about his brother? He sends word, but his brother’s response concerns him. He splits up his property. He sends elaborate gifts. He talks to God. But, once again, it’s the “God of my father Abraham.” Perhaps it’s supposed to be respectful, but something does change from this point forward. He ends up wrestling with God all night. Figuratively or literally? With Jacob’s injury, it sure seems to be literal! His name is changed from “supplanter” to “he strives with God.” It seems that his faith has finally become real!

Here we see Jacob doing everything he can from an earthly perspective to soften up his brother Esau, and then we see him do what he can from a spiritual perspective. Was he wrong to not just trust God? Or should he be applauded for doing what he could first, and then asking God to bless his efforts? Perhaps he should have wrestled with God first? Regardless, God does bless him! I think the lesson is that Jacob finally came to the end of himself and realized that none of it was going to work without God’s blessing.

Thought for the day: Is there anything in your life that you need to “wrestle” with God about? Perhaps something you’ve tried to deal with on your own and it isn’t going well?

Philippians 4:6-7 (WEB) “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”