Genesis 32:26
And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks."
But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me."
Jacob was returning home, leaving behind the place of his father-in-law, Laban. Throughout the journey, Jacob called on the Name of the Lord. Before meeting his brother, Esau, Jacob sent his entire family ahead. It is here we find Jacob wrestling with God.
What did God say? "Let Me go, for the day breaks."
Jacob's reply: "I will not let You go until You bless me."
After reading this portion of Scripture I thought, "How willing am I to wrestle with God until He blesses me? How long will I sit at His feet, cry out in desperation, or rest in His Word before becoming discouraged and letting go?"
Jacob wrestled with God throughout the night. We have all been there, when the darkness seemed to magnify our heartache. God does not leave us without hope. We may weep in the night, in the dark places of our soul, but with God there will come a morning when the sun will shine again.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Psalm 30:5
Then I thought, "What has been a burden on my heart for so long it has become a way of life with no hope for an answer? Have I lost my persistence in crying out to the Lord for a blessing?"
What about you? Perhaps it's a wayward child, a diagnosis that looks impossible, a financial burden too heavy to bear, or a difficult relationship? It is hard to hang on tight to God and wrestle with Him until morning when the night seems so long. When we are in this place, may we draw strength from God's promise:
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."
James 4:8
May we be like Jacob and cry out to the Lord, "I will not let You go until You bless me," and with great anticipation watch for how the Lord will answer our prayer.
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