Escaped from enraged uncle Laban, Jacob was facing a greater danger, his brother Esau that vowed to kill him on their father’s mourning day. God sent angel to strengthen his heart. But Jacob was still afraid. He had to use his own way to appease Esau. He divided his flocks and servants into camps. He sent gifts and presents and messengers before him to Esau. He sent his wives and children crossed the ford of the Jabbok and he was left alone on the other side of the river. Maybe he thought even they got caught by his brother, he still had chance to escape. At night, when everyone was gone to the other side of the river, angel came and wrestled with him until dawn. The angel touched Jacob’s hip socket and he became crippled. Now he couldn’t even escape. Apparently Jacob lost. But he wouldn’t let the angel go unless he got his blessings.
Now it’s clear to him, without God’s blessing he wouldn’t be able to survive. The angel gave him a new name: Israel, meaning “God Prevail”. But Scripture says, “you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed”. How could that be? How could you say the defeated one prevail? That’s the truth in spirit. When God is winning in your life, when you submit yourself to God, you become the Christian that prevail.