Your Daily Prayer 🙏🏾 Genesis 32:28

The struggle is part of the story. Through it we are transformed.

Today’s daily devotional reflects on Jacob’s wrestling with God. Through a night-long struggle, Jacob’s perseverance earns him a new name, Israel, signifying victory with God. This story reminds us that the struggles in life are not without purpose—they transform us, bringing us closer to God and His blessings.
STORY
Bible in a Year: You Are Israel
Scripture
So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, 'It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.'

Genesis 32:30
Are you willing to wrestle with God?

Are you willing to struggle through your doubt, fear, and pride and cling to God for blessing? Jacob was. Jacob was ready to wrestle God because he knew blessing was on the other side of the struggle. Because Jacob clung to God and wouldn’t let go, he was blessed.

Jacob spent most of his life lying to get what he wanted. He used tricks and charisma to gain blessings. But when it was just he and God - mano e mano - there were no tricks. We may have others fooled, but God sees exactly who we are. If we want a flourishing relationship with God, we must be honest with Him and ourselves. We have to wrestle through complex things like doubt, fear, and pride. We can’t smooth-talk our way into favor, nor can we use positive thinking to live a blessed life.

Blessing - true blessing - requires struggle.

At the end of Jacob’s night-long wrestling match with the angel of the Lord, he is given a new name - Israel. Israel, in essence, means one who struggles with God and has victory. Did Jacob have victory over God? No. But through his willingness to wrestle and struggle, Jacob was given victory with God.
REFLECTION
Consider the struggles you're facing in your life right now. They might be with others, within yourself, or with God. What are you holding onto that you need to surrender?

Like Jacob, wrestle with God in prayer, and don't let go until you find your blessing. This might mean a change in your character, perspective, or situation. Sometimes, the blessing we receive is the peace and transformation that comes from letting go and moving forward with a new identity and purpose.

PRAYER
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.
GENESIS 32:28
As I reflect on my life, thank You Lord for the gift of reconciliation and forgiveness. Thank You that even in my wrong doings You produce grace moments for me. Like Jacob in Genesis 32 and 33, I choose to believe the words of Your angels that declare that here is the Lord's place. I declare that my life is the Lord's place, I declare that my business is the Lord's place and that my relationships are in the Lord's place. Therefore I will not be afraid of seasons when I feel I'm wrestling for a new identity, a new blessing and a new beginning. I confess that I will hold onto You God until I receive my newness and I will not let go even after You bless me. You are my way maker and You are the God that makes old things new! Thank You Lord, that even in the midst of dysfunction You still allow Your glory to settle my differences and bring restoration in my life. Thank You for a new name of victory and a new purpose for my life filled with all Your many blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.🙏🏾