Genesis 32:26 (NET) Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking.” “I will not let you go,” Jacob replied, “unless you bless me.”
Today’s call is for serious, intentional effort to work with God in knowing His will. Hearing His Voice.
In this text we learn that real strength to resist evil comes from persistent prayer, self-denial, and refusing to give in to comfort or self-indulgence, which can quietly dull our conscience.
True peace doesn’t come from avoiding struggle but from engaging it—growth and victory in Jesus require effort.
Using Jacob’s nighttime wrestling with God as an example, we see that perseverance matters more than brute strength.
Jacob didn’t win by overpowering God but by refusing to let go, even when he was weak and broken. We must similarly, wrestle with God in prayer.
Jacobs transformation came through humility, dependence, and determined faith, not self-reliance. Today’s message urges sustained, focused commitment and faith in Christ.
All night Jacob wrestled with the Angel. Finally the strong wrestler was weakened by a touch on his thigh. He was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loose his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel, . . . pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, “Let me go, for the day breaketh,” but Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” {CTr 89.4}
Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts to the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.
Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp on the promises of God, and the heart of infinite love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. {CTr 89.5}
As an evidence that Jacob had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the Angel, “shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” {CTr 89.6}
Shall we obtain strength from God, and win victory after victory, or shall we try in our own strength, and at last fall back defeated, worn out by vain efforts? Let us, by unreserved surrender to God, obtain the power that everyone must have who conquers in the battle against evil. {CTr 89.7}
Time is short, Christ’s return is near, and overcoming spiritual challenges does not need ease or passivity but rather, requires wholehearted dedication, discipline, and trust in God.
Don’t let Him go until He blesses you! Don’t let Jesus go until He can bless all that you do! Don’t let Jesus go until He can bless who you are and the path that you follow today!
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalms 25:4-5 (KJV)