Genesis 31 & 32
This is about Jacob heading back home. His father-in-law chases him down, and they make a non-aggression pact. Then he hears that his brother Esau is coming with an army, and he's afraid that he might wipe him out. So he divides his possessions, sends a gift ahead to Esau to try to pacify him, prays for God's help here, and ends up wrestling with the Lord all night. Now he's limping.
He contended with the Lord in prayer, and ended up with a limp!
Jacob is doing what God told him to do, but it looks like disaster! He's between a rock and a hard place. He can't go back to Paddam-Aram to his father-in-law, and his murderous (20 years ago) brother is heading his way. No wonder he wrestled all night. But he ended up with a limp!
God also changed his name from Jacob (trickster) to Israel (A Prince with God).
God told Paul that His power is greatest in our weaknesses. That is what He is teaching Jacob here.
O Father, show me how Your power is great in my own weaknesses. Show me that I can do nothing in my flesh, but I must lean on You, depend on You to bring me out of the trouble I find myself in. And I will give You all the credit, all the glory, because You are the only One Who can do what You do in us, to us, and through us.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
