Genesis 32 - When God didn't heal Jacob

From his youth, Jacob was always quick to make a deal where he'd come out on top. He had even weaseled his brother Esau into giving his inheritance over to Jacob. His conniving finally caught up with him. 

After years of separation, Jacob was going to see Esau--who was accompanied by a small army of four hundred men. (Genesis 32:6) Who needs a body guard of four hundred in order to meet a relative? Understandably, Jacob was nervous. He didn't know how deep the root of Esau's resentment had grown. (Hebrews 12:15-17)

Jacob prayed -- to remind God of His promise to bless Jacob and his progeny. (As if God needs reminding!) Then Jacob did what he could to appease Esau with gifts the day before they were to meet. 

That night a man showed up and wrestled Jacob all night long.

Jacob figured out that he was wrestling God. The wrestling match was a draw, so God touched Jacob's hip, dislocating his thigh. Jacob held on, trying to extract a blessing from God. God blessed him with a new name, "Israel," meaning, "He who strives with God." 

It was like a dad playing a game with his child and letting them win. But there were two reminders that God had let him win. One was the name change to Israel.

The other reminder was that Jacob came away from that encounter with a limp. Not only did God not heal the injury, He gave the injury. We're not told why, but perhaps God wanted Jacob/Israel to remember his dependence on his Creator. It became an ongoing reminder to Israel's descendants, the Jews, who ever after would not eat meat that came from near the hip socket. (Genesis 32:32)

Lord God, when we pray for healing and the healing doesn't come, we're left wondering why. Give us fortitude to with You for answers to tough questions, insight into what You may be trying to teach us, and endurance to keep walking... even if it's with a limp. Amen.