Genesis 32.  Jacob is at a crisis point in his life.  He has left his father-in-law behind and responded to God’s call to go back to Canaan.  He learns that Esau is preparing to meet him with a band of 400 men.  He fears this meeting greatly, and sends a great present of livestock on ahead of him in the hopes that he might appease his brother’s wrath.

That night, Jacob wrestles with a “man” constantly, and is injured on his hip joint.  The next morning the “man” reveals that Jacob is going to be renamed Israel – “he strives with God.”  He names that place Peniel, for, he says, “I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”

Have you had your encounter with God?  Keep striving with him until he blesses you.

LORD, we are hanging on, and we will not let go.  We want to encounter you, and live to tell about it.