Read Genesis 32:22-31

Read Genesis 32:22-31

22 That same night Jacob got up, took his two wives, his two concubines, and his eleven children, and crossed the River Jabbok. 23After he had sent them across, he also sent across all that he owned, 24but he stayed behind, alone.

Then a man came and wrestled with him until just before daybreak. 25When the man saw that he was not winning the struggle, he struck Jacob on the hip, and it was thrown out of joint. 26The man said, “Let me go; daylight is coming.”

“I won’t, unless you bless me,” Jacob answered.

27 “What is your name?” the man asked.

“Jacob,” he answered.

28 The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have struggled with God and with men, and you have won; so your name will be Israel.”j

29 Jacob said, “Now tell me your name.”

But he answered, “Why do you want to know my name?” Then he blessed Jacob.

30 Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face, and I am still alive”; so he named the place Peniel.k 31The sun rose as Jacob was leaving Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

Think

This is a strange story.  Jacob was getting ready to meet with his brother Esau after a long estrangement.  He didn’t know if his brother was going to welcome him, or kill him.

All night, he wrestles with the angel; with God; praying for the situation he is about to face?

Pray

Lord help me to be persistent in my prayer; “I will not let go, unless you bless me.”