1/4/13
“And He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’" (Genesis 32:28)
These words were spoken to Jacob following a wrestling match he had with the Angel of the Lord (cf. Hosea 12:4). Jacob had been away from home for 20 years. Now he had a family and was returning home. His brother Esau had hated him when he left home. He has found out that Esau was coming to meet him with over 400 men (Genesis 32:6). He is scared. What should he do? That night he wrestles with the Angel of the Lord and his name is changed from Jacob to Israel which means “Prince of God”.
As I think about this event in Jacob’s life, I can certainly relate. Many times over my life I had been uncertain as to what to do when faced with my fears and anxieties about some matter. I have not always done the right thing. I have wrestled with God (e.g. by blaming Him or doubting Him) and with men (e.g. lashing out at them in my anger and frustration or trying to use worldly tactics to overcome my problems). Somehow God has put up with me and seen me through. God is willing to let me wrestle with Him. While it is better if I just submit to God and His Will, I believe God knows at times I have to wrestle with Him so I can get to the point of seeing my own foolishness. Praise be to our Heavenly Father who is so longsuffering in dealing with us. Have a blessed day today. Let us submit to God and His Will for us and not have to wrestle with Him in order to see our own foolishness!