“What is your name?” That is a strange question to be asking someone that you decided to pick a fight with. Yet that was the question that was asked of Jacob during that late-night brawl. Out of nowhere he had been attacked and the person didn’t know who he was?

No, God was not asking for information; He was asking for a confession. He knew that he was wrestling with Jacob, Isaac’s son. As a matter of fact, He knew everything about him. But God wanted Jacob to discover himself.

Listen to what his own brother had to say about him:

 Esau said bitterly, "No wonder his name is Jacob, for he has deceived me twice, first taking my birthright and now stealing my blessing.” Genesis 27:36 NLT

 “Who are you?” was the question that made Jacob stop wrestling as he began to ponder his reality. The amplified version of the bible accurately depicts his discovery: “in shock of realization, he whispered, ‘My name is Jacob; I am a trickster, and a cheat.’” It is as if for the first time, Jacob took an inventory of his life and realized what everyone else already knew. He was deceitful, disloyal, and selfish. He made more than a statement; he must have offered a confession, because God changed his name, and He transformed his identity: 

“Your name will no longer be Jacob," the man told him. "It is now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and men and have won." Genesis 32:28 NLT

Jacob’s encounter with the Lord was not easy, however. They wrestled all night long and Jacob ended up having his hip out of socket and walked with a limp from that point on. Similarly, when we choose to let God have his way with us, we may not be allowed to remain as we were; having to give up things that have made us comfortable. 

Perhaps you too have struggled with God and men, or mostly with yourself. Is it time that you take an inventory of your life, discover who you really are, and confess your weaknesses? Only when you confess who you are, do you give God permission to make you into someone better and lead you into your true destiny.

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