Jacob strives with God Genesis 32

"An atheist does not find God for the same reason a thief does not find a policeman."

Genesis 32 Jacob strives with God. Some would say the man he fought with was Jesus. Jacob calls the place Peniel. Peniel means "face of God".

Jacob sent everyone across the river first. This is a defensive measure. So he spent the night alone on the far side of the river. He was scared of Esau. In his life he was never alone. He was always surrounded by his family, servants, and possessions. But now he is alone. He spends the night alone. God uses this opportunity to confront Jacob.

Jacob has prayed to God for protection. This is a good first step. But then he does everything humanly possible to prepare for the meeting with Esau. Jacob is all prepared. But first God wanted to do some breaking in Jacob. (pun intended, hehe)

Jacob's name was changed to Israel. He goes from usurper, supplanter to "he who strives with God" (or perhaps "God strives"). God is saying the old Jacob is in the past. Now Jacob has a true relationship with God. It is still in process. But it has been deepened.

Striving is something we all should do with God. And it may break us. Most of us need a little breaking.