Jacob had come a long way since he deceived his father and then had to leave home. It may have been twenty years or even more. Now he had decided to return home. But even though he had honored God and had been richly blessed by God, he was still a schemer. (see 32:7-8, 13-21) God could not let him go back like that. He had to learn that his own strength and schemes would never be sufficient for his life. God had to be his strength for all the circumstances of life. Jacob chose to spend the last night of his journey alone. It was like that night twenty years or so before. And again God met him. God came in the form of a man and strangely wrestled with him. Jacob would not give in until God touched one of his hips, one of his strongest parts. God could have done that at any time but waited, hoping Jacob would give in. Finally Jacob said some great words; 'I will not let you go unless you bless me. Then God said, What is your name?' 'Jacob' said the twister, the liar, the cheat. God said, 'I am going to change it - you are going to be Israel, a prince with God.' What a change! It lasted the rest of his life and was carried on by his descendants. How do you explain the change? God did it. How can our lives be changed? In exactly the same way. When we give up trying to do it all by ourselves and let God take over, there are wonderful changes God can make in our lives. And our lives can be used for Him. A SONG FOR TODAY: Have Thine Own Way, Lord Have Thine Own Way, Lord! Have Thine Own Way! Thou Art the Potter , I am the clay, Mold me and make me, After Thy will, While I am waiting yielded and still. |
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