So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” – Genesis 32:30

This encounter with God profoundly changed Jacob. He had stolen Esau’s birthright and now feared his brother’s revenge. Uncertain and afraid, Jacob wrestled with God through the night, clinging to Him until he received a blessing.

After this struggle, Jacob met Esau with humility. Esau ran to em-brace him. Fear was gone, and family was restored. Jacob limped away from his wrestling match, marked by the struggle, but blessed by God and granted courage to face what lay ahead.

Like Jacob, we face uncertainties that leave us wrestling in prayer. I once feared public speaking, worrying whether I knew enough, whether others would judge me, whether I would be accepted. Yet through God’s grace, I found myself speaking before over 100 seminary students in my career. God called me to do what I thought impossible, and He gave me courage beyond my understanding.

God meets us in all our trials through Christ, who wrestled with death itself and won our victory. Through persistent prayer and clinging to His promises in Scripture, we find that our struggles can draw us closer to Him. We may emerge limping and hurting, but we are blessed. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, God gives us strength to persevere through every circumstance.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, hear my struggles and grant me courage through Christ. Help me cling to Your promises when I am afraid.

Daily Reading: Ephesians 1

– Contributed by Patrick Iver