Wrestle with God

"Your name will now be Israel, because you have wrestled with God and with people, and you have won." (Genesis 32:28)

The word Jabbok in Hebrew means "wrestle," and wrestle is what Jacob did. He wrestled with his past: all the white lies, scheming, and scandalizing. He wrestled with his situation: a spider trapped in his own web of deceit and craftiness. But more than anything, he wrestled with God.

Jacob wrestled with God the entire night. On the banks of Jabbok he rolled in the mud of his mistakes. He met God face to face, sick of his past and in desperate need of a fresh start. And because Jacob wanted it so badly, God honored his determination. God gave him a new name and a new promise. But he also gave a wrenched hip as a reminder of that mysterious night at the river.

We too should unmask our stained hearts and grimy souls and be honest with the One who knows our most secret sins. The result could be refreshing. We know it was for Jacob.

After his encounter with God, Jacob was a new man.

THE TEACHING MINISTRY of MAX LUCADO © 1998 - 2007

Excerpted From God Came Near (Please include this line to forward this message).