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Day 22 Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26 And he said, “Let me go, for the day breaks.” And he said, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” 27 And he said unto him, “What is thy name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 And he said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” 29 And Jacob asked him, and said, “Tell me, I pray thee, thy name.” And he said, “Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name?” And he blessed him there. 30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Life is a wrestling match. We wrestle with ideas and problems and hope to solve both. Jacob’s brother, Esau, was on the way to meet him. Jacob expected his intent was to kill him, and he sent a present of cattle with his servants to give to Esau to appease him. Then he stayed behind after he sent his family ahead of him. When Jacob was alone, he wrestled all night with a ‘man’ and prevailed against him. At which point the ‘man’ touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh so that it shrank and he couldn’t walk without limping. At daybreak, Jacob demanded a blessing from the ‘man’. In return, the ‘man’ asked him his name, and when told his name was Jacob, He changed his name to Israel and told him he was a prince who had power with God and men. Jacob asked Him His name. He didn’t give His name. After receiving the blessing, Jacob realized he wrestled with God and didn’t die. As Christians, when was the last time you wrestled in prayer when situations were beyond your control? Did you give up or persevere until you received an answer? Don’t give up the fight until you receive an answer. Answers don’t always satisfy. They bring pain with triumph. Learn to trust God when you receive your answer. When you persevere with God, you will always receive a blessing. Let’s pray: Father, help me persevere in prayer when situations are beyond my control. Let me know the pain and heartache will contain a blessing. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 5 July 2021 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay