Wrestling

Genesis 32:22-28
Jacob wrestled with the Lord. It wasn't a test of physical strength but an encounter for a higher purpose.
The encounter is an anchor in scripture defined by a name change, from a deceiver to a prince. We can all identify for our old man needs a name change. We also must wrestle to obtained the blessing, for character is not a gift but a victory.
We are sons by birth but it takes an adoption to realize the full inheritance.
Our wrestling probably won't employ a physical contest but the purpose - the outcome - will be the same 'perseverance'.
God may wake us up early in the morning for an appointment to wrestle but we may turn over in bed because we are too tired or we have too much to do tomorrow.
But God will not be put off. If we fail in our first appointment God may raise up some circumstantial conflict in our lives or even allow the devil to take a poke at our health. However it has to be God will get our attention to accomplish His purpose.
Scripture says, count it all joy when you encounter diverse trials and troubles - because the Lord hasn't forgotten you.

If we want an audience with God we must keep Him always before us in everything we do. Jacob was in a state of anguish seeking the Lord. The meeting was not a mystery to him but a need being met. God doesn't change so the same principle applies to us.

We might think that becoming a godly man or woman just happens but let me say that they all started out just like you or I. Scripture tells us that Daniel prayed 3X a day and I'm sure it wasn't just a simple 'God bless my day' type of prayer, but instead a prayer that evolved out of much trials and troubles. In Genesis 32 it says that Jacob wrestled with the Lord (32:30) and did prevail. There was a physical dimension in the encounter but the prevailing was not a physical matter, for God is the maker of the body, but instead a spiritual battle and prevailing. And we see that after the personal victory Jacob was given a new name, descriptive of his new nature and new life that was characterized with an earthly limp, a cross that he bore for the rest of his earthly journey. Revelations 2:17 says that the bride of Jesus Christ will be given a new name, not for public show but for the declaration of her personal relationship to her Lord.