Jacob went back to the land of his birth.  He left with a walking stick… he went back with a large family, many servants and great wealth in livestock.  He went back to his past.  He would face his brother Esau whom he had deceived.  He went back with a new understanding of God.

Jacob sent his family and all he owned across the Jabbok River.  He spent the night by himself as he prepared to meet his brother the next day.

A Man wrestled with him – all night they wrestled.  Jacob would not stop wrestling.  The Man dislocated Jacob’s hip, still Jacob hung on, even after the Man told Jacob to let go.  What did Jacob say?  “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
(NASB Genesis 32:26)

Jacob’s name was changed at that moment.  The Man said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.”  (NASB Genesis 32:28)

Jacob recognized whom he wrestled, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved.”  (NASB Genesis 32:30)

Jacob did not give up until he had received God’s blessing.  We are not to give up until we receive God’s blessing.  And Jacob was a changed man.  He saw God Himself, face to face.  When anyone “sees” God, lives are changed – forever.

When we pray, seeking God’s blessing for ourselves; we become dependent on God and not ourselves.

With what has God blessed you?
Is He giving you a new understanding of your need for Him?  Blessings!
What about the riches which cannot be counted in money but riches of faith in Him?

What are some of the blessings of God?
Forgiveness for your sins through faith in the Lord Jesus ~ blessing!

When anyone receives Jesus as Savior they are blessed with the riches of being filled with God’s Holy Spirit ~ blessing!

And the list goes on…

~ Take it to heart ~

God’s blessings will be used by Him to change you.
Blessings indeed!