Jacob Struggles With God

That night Jacob got up. He took his two wives, his two female servants and his 11 sons and sent them across the Jabbok River. After they had crossed the stream, he sent over everything he owned. So Jacob was left alone. A man struggled with him until morning. The man saw that he couldn't win. So he touched the inside of Jacob's hip. As Jacob struggled with the man, Jacob's hip was twisted. Then the man said, "Let me go. It is morning."

But Jacob replied, "I won't let you go unless you bless me."

The man asked him, "What is your name?"

"Jacob," he answered.

Then the man said, "Your name will not be Jacob anymore. Instead, it will be Israel. You have struggled with God and with men. And you have won." Jacob said, "Please tell me your name."

But he replied, "Why do you want to know my name?" Then he blessed Jacob there.

So Jacob named the place Peniel. He said, "I saw God face to face. But I'm still alive!"

The sun rose above Jacob as he passed by Peniel. He was limping because of his hip. That's why the people of Israel don't eat the meat attached to the inside of the hip. They don't eat it to this very day. It's because the inside of Jacob's hip was touched.

There were times when life was really confusing. Problems seem has lost their ends. I walk on high deep water, crossing the river paying all what might cost. It made me weak and my situation both in physically and in emotionally was down less than zero. Am I on your right way God?, I was asking God, though that question is addressed to me. No, I was not. An answer comes from my little good sweet heart.

I learn one thing, the thing that Jacob once did. (I learn something from Genesis 32:22-32)

Jacob feeling guilty for something he did wrong. He brings those he loves across Jabbok River. He made them first in a save situation, after that he made himself alone. Was he in save situation? No. He was dealing with his problems. He was in danger! The man saw that he couldn't win.

What possibly Jacob will lost? Everything! Yeah, everything! Everything that he just made saved, and yet, his life. Jacob can fool man, but can he fool himself? Nope! He cannot. But Jacob didn't want to be lost. More than that, Jacob want that his life be blessed!

In his fight, Jacob opens a conversation. As an under dog rival was asked to let the winner off of him, Jacob took his opportunity asking something that he need badly. He refuses to let the winner go, unless he gave him what he asks for.

The winner changes his name to be Israel. He also blesses him.

HuAAh! What a nice ending story.

Am I have Jacob's ability in struggling with my problems, am I have that big strong willingness in asking what I really need, am I have his believe in winning something even though I know exactly have zero probabilities.

Nothing impossible with You Lord, I learn this.

Yet, I know, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.