Genesis 32:24-30 – Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When he saw that he had not prevailed against him, he touched the socket of his thigh; so the socket of Jacob's thigh was dislocated while he wrestled with him. Then he said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." But he said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him and said, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And he blessed him there. So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, "I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved." (NASB)

It was not until my husband was diagnosed with cancer, nearly two years ago, that I understood the desperation Jacob must have felt when he wrestled with God. During that time, my prayers turned into tears, but with little strength in my spirit, I wrestled with God too, not willing to let go until He pronounced a blessing. Then, to my surprise, one Sunday in church, our call to worship began with the following responsive reading:

Leader: Sometimes, O God, we feel like Jacob, wrestling with angels.
People: Strengthen us.
Leader: Sometimes, we feel battered and broken.
People: Touch us.
Leader: Sometimes, we grow so weary in the struggle.
People: Refresh us.
Leader: Together, let us seek the face of the divine.

With those words, I felt as though the Lord were speaking directly to me, letting me know that my prayers had not been in vain. Like Jacob, holding on for dear life, I succeeded in obtaining the Lord's favour. Though, in a manner of speaking, a joint may be out of place, the blessing far exceeds the struggle; perhaps now more than ever, I have experienced God's power through adversity.

To me, the most awesome part of Jacob's story is that the man with whom he wrestled is identified at daybreak as the Lord Himself. Some Bible scholars refer to this experience as an Old Testament Christophany: a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. What is more amazing is that the Lord lets Jacob have the upper hand; thus, Jacob wins the wrestling match!

It is revealed in the Gospels that God has given His Son all authority in heaven and earth. Therefore, it is Jesus who grants us this blessing. It is He who stands in the gap between us and the Father, and it is He who pleads our case before His Father's throne.

Today's Scripture is a great illustration for those struggling with any type of problem. Hopefully, Jacob's example of faith and perseverance will strengthen our hearts to receive a blessing as we seek the face of the divine.

Prayer: Lord, we acknowledge that You alone are the true and living God, a God who desires to interact with Your people. We thank You for Jacob's awesome testimony — a face-to-face encounter with You. We praise You, Father, for the incredible love that allowed Your servant to strive with You and prevail. Please give us the strength to do the same. Then, at daybreak, we, too, shall be blessed by the light of Your countenance and the peace which overcomes the world. In Jesus' holy name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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