And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32:26 KJV
Preparing to cross the Jordan, back into the land of promise, Jacob was attacked by a man and wrestled with him through the night. The battle was physical because it left him with a limp for the rest of his life. It was also spiritual because it left him a changed man. No longer would he be known as Jacob (the deceiver), from this moment he would be known as Israel (one who fights with God). During the course of the struggle Jacob realized that he wrestled not against a man but with God. It was this realization that provided his opportunity to be a changed man. He decided to hang on and not let go until God blessed him. Persistence in our relationship with God will reap His blessing if we do not give up.
Lord, understanding it took time before Jacob realized it was really You he was wrestling with, help me not miss opportunities You give me to change. When struggles come, help me hang on and seek Your blessing until I am changed for the better through it.
