In this passage we are confronted by the fact that Jacob wrestled with God. He wrestled with the one by whom “all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16). We are left with the startling fact that God allowed Jacob to wrestle and prevail because of God’s choice to allow him to do so. It was not Jacob’s own strength that allowed him to prevail but God’s grace. JR Miller said, “What was the substance of the blessing that he received that night? Was it not a new nature? He entered the struggle as Jacob the supplanter—he emerged from it as Israel, a prince with God. He had gotten his new spiritual blessing through the withering and crippling of his old self. We sometimes speak as though he had obtained his blessing through wrestling, but he was defeated as a wrestler and his power to struggle was crushed. He obtained his blessing after he had been defeated, by simply clinging. When he could wrestle no longer, he wound his arm around the neck of his divine contestant and clung there, refusing to let go his hold until he received a blessing.” If you are a follower of God, cling to him. Hang on and ask for his blessing. In Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, he taught us that we ought always to pray and not lose heart. “Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice speedily.” Your father knows you. He knows what you need. He knows how to bless you. He knows how to give good gifts. Pray and do not lose heart.