
Isolated but Not Alone
And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
Genesis 32:24
Week of June 9, 2025
In the book of Genesis 32 a man by the name of Jacob is preparing to meet his brother. The problem is that the last time he saw him, he was trying to kill him. God had a huge plan for Jacob that would not only involve him, but the entire world! But, in order to go forward into God’s purpose for his life, Jacob had to decide.
V24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
The first thing and very important is that God separated Jacob away from family and friends (people who tend to persuade us the most) and spoke with Jacob alone. Sometimes, we experience things in life that isolates us from society and surroundings, separating us from the noise of this world, so we can hear His voice. One thought here, is that sometimes when God is dealing with us about a situation in life, God always knows the right answer, but it’s us that lacks the understanding or at least the direction, obedience or will to do what is right, we call this “wrestling” a thought around. It was at this location where God ordered a name change from Jacob which means (to follow, be behind, to supplant, overreach or heel to Israel (to wrestle with God or be triumphant with God). This was not what Jacob had been, but what he would be.
(My thoughts) Jacob knew that he was getting ready to face his past. Although, we are not to continually focus on our past, sometimes there are issues in our past we must deal with, that we may move on to what God has for us, in our future. Esau and all the trouble that Jacob left behind 20 years ago, he was going to have to face. I think God appeared to Jacob and began to tell him of the plans that he had for him and like us today, we just can’t see how or why God would use or want to use us. This can also be another reason not to focus on, our failures in the past. We all have personality conflicts that we continually deal with and “wrestle” with before, during and after every obstacle we face in life. Jacob was at his defining moment, where he was needing to make a choice, and this would determine his future. Like Jacob, there are those defining moments that we face in our life, that has a direct effect on us, and the future of others.
Find some time alone, away from family, friends and phones and ask God to speak to you. Ask God to show you His plans, ideas and purpose for your life. Like Jacob, we are not enough, but with Jesus; He is more than enough. Ask God to do a name change on you today. He knows what He’s doing, and you can trust Him.
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