Face to Face

Read Genesis 32:27–32

Reflection

When we are asked our name, we are sharing a part of our identity. When God asked Jacob’s name, He was asking him about his identity. Jacob’s name as "the grasper" had defined his whole life up until now. He schemed, cheated, worked hard, and wrestled all night, to ensure he would get the Blessing he felt he deserved. When God changed his name, He was telling Jacob that he didn’t need to strive anymore. Jacob had overcome.

If you were asked to describe yourself, what would you say? Would you say you are confident, friendly, anxious or hard-working? There are a number of ways we can define who we are, but the one that matters the most is the name God gives you. Instead of seeing yourself the way the world defines you, see yourself the way Christ does. To Him, you are an overcomer and part of His Eternal Family. Your Identity through Jesus is a blessed one.

Like Jacob, you might walk with a limp from all of the struggles you have had in life, and with God. Rather than a sign of weakness, this proves your strength – that you have been impacted and shaped by those difficulties. It proves that you have engaged with God in those darkest moments and He has left a sign of your ability to overcome.

Consider and Pray

What struggles have resulted in you walking with a limp? Pray that God would remind you of what that limp represents – a struggle, a surrender, and a blessing.