Imagine seeing God in person and then trying all your might to get His attention, in order to receive a blessing. Many people would wish to ask God a simple favor in life in order to be better off with their finances, their marriage, and other things. Many of us struggle throughout life and obtaining God’s blessings makes everything that much better. He is the giver of all things good and we could all be that much better off with the Lord in our everyday lives. Jacob knew this also and did not want to allow God out of his sight until he blessed him. And although trying to stop him didn’t work, he didn’t let him out of his sight the entire day. This is recorded in Genesis, chapter 32. It is written, “and Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 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. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.” (Genesis 32:24-27)
Jacob is a great example of what it means to ask God for a blessing, no matter if it meant seeking His face all the day long. Who does this really? Where are your priorities? Are they on other things besides God? Do you look to God through the day or is your attention upon other things. The Lord is our good shepherd, but hardly anybody knows what this really means. Thankfully, we have a great example of Jacob not letting go until God blessed him. This means that his trust was unwavering in God who saved. And this was his reward, “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. 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. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Genesis 32:28-30) I promise you this. If you also trust God like Jacob did, then God would also begin to bless your life. Now, give your heart to the Lord in prayer. He is waiting.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I hope You know that I love you. You are the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. I don’t need the wisdom of man to find answers, but the wisdom of God alone. Lord, I need You every hour. I am lost without You by my side. Lead and guide me as You would see fit. Remove any obstacle in my life that is holding me back from being blessed by Your might hand. Nothing the world can offer me is greater than what You have to offer. I have tasted and seen that there are pains in this life and many hurdles to jump over. I can either do this alone or with my God, who will never let me down. I have family on earth, even a wife and kids, but they cannot do what You can do in my life. Your power is above anything that we can even conceive. I just pray that You will have mercy upon me for all the wicked things I have done. Forgive me, Lord. If Your grace has fallen upon me now, sanctify me through Your blood, Jesus. Give me clean hands and a pure heart. Raise me up in newness of life to serve You completely. I am ready. I love You, Lord. I trust in You, God. Amen.
