A “through the bible” devotion from Genesis 32.
I vividly remember wrestling with all of my three children. They were toddlers, and I would lie on the floor, hug them to my chest, and roll back and forth saying, “Wrestlin’, wrestlin’, wrestlin’!” Of course, I didn’t use even a fraction of my strength. I wasn’t in it to win, but to enjoy some silly dad time with them. The giggles were the best part.
“Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.”
In the heat of the moment, Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
When it was all over, “Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, ‘I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared.'” (Genesis 32:24-30)
I think it’s fascinating that Jacob tries to wrestle a blessing out of God. Jacob’s life is filled with God’s blessing. He ran away from home with nothing, and returns with all kinds of family and flocks, plus the same covenant promises of God given to his grandfather Abraham.
The Almighty doesn’t use a fraction of his strength, and lets Jacob hold on all night. In the morning, Jacob realizes he’s been wrestling with God, and he lived to tell about it. That in itself is a pretty great blessing!
How often do I try to wrestle a blessing out of God rather than recognizing all the things he’s already given?
Waite for it... 