Genesis 32:22-28
22 That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two maidservants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.
23 After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions.
24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.
25 When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.
26 Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
27 The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered.
28 Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

This incident is a turning point in Jacob’s life. All the while thus far he had to go through the consequences of his sinful nature ie. deceit. Now he came to a point that he wanted to reconcile with Esau. Jacob wanted blessing. What kind of blessing he wanted? We are not sure. May be the one God promised in Bethel. But God is changing his name, rather reputation, from Jacob (deceiver) to Israel (soldier of God). That itself is a wonderful blessing. That means God approved Jacob’s change in life & character, plus a bunch of other blessings.

Having a son like Joseph was a blessing. Brothers & sister, like Jacob we might also have weaknesses and flaws in our character. In spite of all these weaknesses do you believe that God loves you and he would bless you? Yes, God can. But God wants to see the desperation in your attitude. “Unless you bless me I would not stop praying. I am determined”. But put all efforts to change what you need to change.

“Be desperate for a change; be desperate for a blessing”

Prayer idea

Our identiy or reputation in God has changed ever since we became a disciple. Find out at least 10 scriptural change in our identity in Christ. (Ex. formerly we were foreigners and aliens, now we are fellow citizens). Kindly share with others!!!