Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." Genesis 32:28 NIV
Jacob was a new man! He was forever changed! He had conquered the fear he was facing, and he was ready to live a life obedient to the Lord!
After the wrestling match, God changed Jacob's name. We see this occur several times in scripture. Abram was changed to Abraham. Sarai was changed to Sarah. Simon was changed to Peter. Saul was changed to Paul. Each time God changed a name it was because there had been a significant change in that person's life.
Abraham and Sarah left their families to "go to the land God would show them". Peter had the faith upon which God would "build His church". Paul transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a promoter of the faith. Now Jacob had become a changed man.
This wasn't really the first wrestling match between God and Jacob. God had been pursuing Jacob throughout his life. He had a half-hearted devotion to God, but God wanted him all. This match was for the title! This match was to claim victory in the life of Jacob, and prove that he was "sold out" for God! This was the match to end all matches. It was for the crown of approval from God, rewarded in this life to the one who overcomes! It was to win God's favor for faithfulness.
Have you been given your new name? Sure, the Bible teaches that all of us will receive our new name when we get to Heaven. God will reward us for our faithfulness done on earth. But, there is a crowning achievement we can make in this life when the Lord is pleased with the progress of our spiritual journey. There is a peace and fulfillment God gives His people when we wrestle with our temptation to sin and we submit our lives completely to His will.
God had wrestled Jacob, applying enough strength to him that he would have to give it his all, so that Jacob's life could be transformed, once and for all, totally surrendered to God's will. Therefore, God gave Jacob a new name, by which he would be known forevermore!
Have you had the title match yet in your life? Have you totally surrendered to God?
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Mustard Seed Ministry is reaching around the world with Biblical truths. The ministry is designed to spur the Christian from the smallest amount of faith, onto spiritual growth and maturity. This ministry goes places the church cannot enter. If you would like to support the work of this ministry, send contributions to Mustard Seed Ministry, PO Box 3698, Clarksville, TN 37043, or through Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to
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I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
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