In Genesis 32:26 I read, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (NIV)
When God blessed Jacob, he promised to give him land, multiply his family, make him a mighty nation, and use him to bless the world. He made Jacob and his family God’s chosen people.
But just like he does with me today, God gave Jacob a promise and then tested his faith in that promise.
In Genesis 32, Jacob struggled with God all night long in a wrestling match that tested his patience, faith, and trust. Then God injured Jacob at his hip and gave him a serious disadvantage. Jacob was hurt and tired, and yet, at dawn, he still said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26 NIV).
Isn’t that an interesting thing to say to somebody you’re wrestling with? Apparently sometime during this all-night struggle, Jacob became aware that the one he was wrestling with was no ordinary individual—but God. That meant God could bless him. And so, he refused to let go.
Maybe I feel like I’m wrestling with God right now, and the struggle is lasting way too long. Maybe I don’t want to do the things God has told me to do, like tithe or obey his rules for sex or be kind to my enemies.
The very God I’m wrestling with is the one who gives me my dream for my life. He’s the one who will make it happen! God’s not trying to thwart my dream. He’s getting me ready for it. My struggle will build my stamina, deepen my patience, and increase my resilience.
My wrestling match will also bring me to the point of commitment. Right at the moment when I think I’ve got to give up, I need to turn to God and say, “I’m in this struggle as long as it takes for you to do your good work within me and to bless me.”
That kind of response to God’s test will show him that I’m ready for his dream for my life.
In summary, when God blessed Jacob, he promised to give him land, multiply his family, make him a mighty nation, and use him to bless the world. But just like he does with me today, God gave Jacob a promise and then tested his faith in that promise. In Genesis 32, I see where Jacob struggled with God all night long in a wrestling match that tested his patience, faith, and trust. Then God injured Jacob and gave him a serious disadvantage. Jacob was hurt and tired, and yet, he still said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me”.An interesting thing to say to somebody you’re wrestling with. Sometime during this all-night struggle, Jacob became aware that the one he was wrestling with was no ordinary individual—but God. That meant God could bless him. So, he refused to let go. Maybe I’m wrestling with God right now, and the struggle is lasting way too long. Maybe I don’t want to do the things God has told me to do. The very God I’m wrestling with is the one who gives me my dream for my life. He’s the one who will make it happen! God’s not trying to thwart my dream. He’s getting me ready for it. My struggle will build my stamina, deepen my patience, and increase my resilience. My wrestling match will also bring me to the point of commitment. When I think I’ve got to give up, I need to turn to God and say, “I’m in this struggle as long as it takes for you to do your good work and to bless me.” That kind of response to God’s test will show him that I’m ready for his dream for my life.
Jacob continued this wrestling match all night just to be blessed. He was persistent. God encourages persistence in all areas of my life, including the spiritual. Where in my spiritual life do I need more persistence? Strong character develops as I struggle through tough conditions.
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