“So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. 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. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome” (Genesis‬ ‭32:24-28‬ , NIV‬‬).

Some people find themselves trying to “get ahead” in life-exerting endless energy comparing and competing. Working in their own strength to strategize, cheat, study, and manipulate to achieve a more desirable or comfortable lifestyle. 

As the second born twin with Esau, Jacob found himself fighting for first place. He wanted so badly to be favored and in superior position that he stole his brother’s birthright (Gen. 25:29-34), then stole his brother’s first-born blessing (Gen. 27:5-29). 

It wasn’t until Jacob decided to wrestle with God, attempting again, to steal a blessing that he finally found his striving and cheating were not enough. Jacob’s manipulative approach to get what he wanted inevitably caused the end results to lack integrity. His drive for the elite position had blurred his sight and corrupt his values. Jacob’s future required him to totally change. 

Only God, fully knowing Jacob’s history and motives could sovereignly intervene, change Jacob’s name and give him a new identity. When God did this, Jacob was made free from striving in his own strength. God kindly gave Jacob a limp for a constant reminder of his failing human strength and his need for God. 

So what’s your limp? What remains in your life as a reminder that God is in control and that your strength is not enough?