Jacob needed God's blessing, so at dusk, he took his family across the ford of the Jabbok, a small stream, and returned to pray to the Lord in private. At a certain point, an angel in the form of a man came and wrestled with him all night. As dawn approached, the angel asked him to let him go because it was nearly morning, but Jacob made a condition: he would only let him go if he blessed him first. He knew how to believe!

         That struggle was symbolic of the real battle fought in the spiritual realm until the promise is fulfilled in our lives. Even if it seems late, God will confirm and fulfill it as it was revealed to us (see Luke 18:1-8). What you feel when you turn your attention to a biblical promise is the certainty given by the Lord that it is yours; after all, the testimonies of the Most High are faithful (Psalm 93:5; 119:2).

         When you understand a revelation from God, it becomes yours; therefore, you have an obligation to receive it into your life. Even if the angel wants to leave with any justification, never accept it. That angel was God wrestling with Jacob, and Jacob didn't want to let him go. That’s how you should fight in prayer. If the Lord has visited you through the Word and given you the promise, accept it!

         In the end, the angel told the patriarch that he would be called Israel because, like a prince, he wrestled with God and prevailed. The prophet of Judah, mentioned in the first book of Kings, chapter 13, ultimately despised the direction of the Most High and was therefore killed by the lion. It doesn’t matter if you listen to a false prophet; it will be your fault if you disobey the command of the supreme God. No excuses will ever be accepted if we disregard the Word. Let’s be princes and overcome!

         Jacob was strengthened by the Lord in that fight. In the same way, you will be, and God will fulfill what He has promised you. Jesus said, "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force" (Matthew 11:12). "Be mightier than the mighty: But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils" (Luke 11:22).

         The patriarch limped out of the battle because of his persistence, and this shows that it is better to be wounded than to lose your life. There was a danger that Esau would kill his brother and his family. However, Jacob received the blessing, and that led to our salvation. If he had died, Jesus would not have been born. This fight was not only for Jacob and his family, but also for humanity, which would be saved through one of his descendants!

          Nothing will happen to you if you fight with God for the promise made to you: "And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul" (Deuteronomy 10:12). Persevere until you gain your life!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares