Jacob is a Hebrew name which means “he grasps at the heel.”

Many understand it to also mean “deceiver.” So Jacob’s name was an emotional and factual reminder of the deception that had always marked his life.

When Jacob famously wrestled with God (Genesis 32:22-32), he was on a 20-year-long run from his brother Esau whom he deceived and stole from. Jacob was “in great fear and distress” (Genesis 32:7) because Esau had vowed to kill him.

His story is incredible, but some parts are relatable: Jacob grew up in a family that practiced favouritism, had a track record of lying, and made mistakes he couldn’t erase – mistakes which haunted him for decades.

Maybe there’s a little bit of Jacob in all of us.

Have you ever been at the losing end of favouritism in the family?

Even if you haven’t, it’s likely we’ve all done things that we’re not proud of.

We might never mention it to another person, but our memory never stops reminding us of our mistakes. It latches on.

Our mistakes become a part of our identity: A failure, good-for-nothing, hopeless, useless … unwanted.

But we don’t have to wear these labels. There is a wrestle that we must engage in if we are to walk in a new God-given identity – blessed.

“So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:24-26)

If you’re exhausted from carrying the burdens of your past, or feel overwhelmed by the fears facing you, maybe it’s time to wrestle with God.

Jacob entered the wrestle as a man who relied on his smarts, but he walked out as a man redeemed from his wrongs and blessed by a God who loved him. 

In that wrestle, the kindness of God met the persistent faith of Jacob and it resulted in a blessing beyond Jacob’s imagination.

If we do not pray, we might miss the wrestle. And if we miss the wrestle, we also miss the transformation.

“It takes time in the secret places to get the full revelation of God. Little time and hurry mar the picture.” (Edward M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer)

Jacob confessed that he was “unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness” that God had shown him, but he also remembered God’s promise to him (Genesis 32:12) and that was the basis of his faith.

If you’re in need of a touch from God, tell that to Him. Meet God on His terms and allow Him to change you, knowing that His plans are far better than those that we have for ourselves.

Only then can we let every other go; free to pursue the eternal things of God. So would you pray as Jacob prayed?

I will not let you go unless you bless me.