The wrestling of Jacob with God is a portrayal of what every true son of God must endure.

The name of each of us is "Jacob." We have a deceitful heart. We are self-centered, self-seeking. We speak lies. We seek our own advantage at the expense of our friends. We are tricky. We gain our ends by deviousness.

Then there comes a day, at some point in our Christian pilgrimage, when the claws of the Lion of Judah break the seals of the scroll that is our life. We come face to face with God.

We come to the Lord "alone." No one but God can help us in that hour. Our friends may offer sympathy and pray for us in our affliction. But this is a matter between God and us.

We struggle for our life. We struggle until our name, and the name of God, are called into question. "Who am I?—who is God?" we ask. "I thought I was such an experienced Christian, such a help to the saints. Now I find I am not as pure as I thought I was and God is not the big Santa Claus I thought He was."

Jacob was a liar, a conniver. But when he was pressed hard enough his integrity came forth. He did not quit. Although he was certain his brother, Esau (one of those whom he had cheated), would destroy him and his family in the morning, Jacob held fast to God in prayer. He did not give up. We Christians must never quit. God's Word is true. In Christ we can and will conquer every problem if we continue praying and trusting in God's Word.

Because Jacob would not let go of God, God met him and answered his prayer. This is what we call "praying through." We pray until we know God has heard and answered prayer. When we know He hears us we are assured we have the answer. Experienced saints know what it means to "pray through" (I John 5:15).

Jacob prayed until he knew God had heard him and answered his petition. When Jacob met Esau the next day there was no trouble.

And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. (Genesis 32:28)

The name "Israel" means he struggles with God. Jacob, the supplanter, became the man who struggled with God.

Notice that God stated, "as a prince hast thou power with God and with men."

If we would gain power with men we first must struggle with God.

When people become a hindrance to us we can prevail in one or two ways. We can attempt to utilize our deviousness, our scheming, our manipulations, or even violence, or we can go to God. If we go to God concerning someone who is causing trouble for us, and achieve victory with God, then we will achieve victory over our human circumstances.

We do not go to God and curse the troublesome individual. God wants us laughing and blessing, not cursing. Neither do we try to be "sweet" and tell God how much we love our adversary. Jacob did not continue reciting how much he loved Esau or attempt to bless Esau.

To be continued.