Blessing Through Brokeness | Genesis 32:22-32

After Jacob moved his family and servants across the Jabbok River, in anticipation of Esau’s approach, Jacob was left alone. Without warning the Lord wrestled with Jacob all night without prevailing over him. Upon the breaking of the dawn the Lord dislocated the patriarch’s hip and blessed Jacob by renaming him Israel, leading Jacob to name the location Peniel as a testament to his encounter with God and his survival. This moment was also honored in Israel’s dietary customs. In this study we learn that to become strong in the faith and useful in His kingdom, God must rid us of self-sufficiency.