Wrestling with God

In Pentateuch we responded to the Genesis 32 story where Jacob wrestles with God. Here's a part of my response:

I would like to think that Jacob knew he was wrestling with God during the match. In this regard, it took great courage to wrestle God and demand a blessing. Jacob continues, even after the God-man has struck his hip (v.25). Somehow Jacob was able to endure the pain in the hope that he would receive God’s blessing.

This rings true in my own experiences. The times of greatest spiritual growth in my life have often been accompanied with struggle and pain in the midst of darkness. Encountering God is quite dangerous and very risky. We leave changed by the experience in unexpected ways. Sometimes holding on for dear life is all that we can do. We hold on and demand that God at least bless us for all of the struggle we have endured.

Alone and in the dark, Jacob wrestled with God. Even before the rising of the sun he is able to proclaim, “For I have seen God face to face, yet my life is preserved.” (v. 30). Jacob recognizes God in this mysterious encounter. Maybe that’s why God choose to bless him. Jacob may have left the wrestling match limping, but with his new name and God's blessing things seem to be looking a lot brighter.