Strive to Prevail

[S] Genesis 32:28 --
28 He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed."

[O] This was a defining moment for Jacob as God recognized his heart and changed his life's purpose along with the new name he was given, Israel which means he who strives with God.  This did not come easily but through many years of his life going through phases of leaning on his own (or his mother's) efforts and then totally relying on God such that he wouldn't give up to wrestle with God until God gave him an answer in the dire situation he found himself in where everything he had built is about to be vanished.

[A] I strive for excellence in doing less to get the most which some times is called laziness.  This attitude spills over into my spiritual walk with God.  I want to reach that intimate relationship with God which He recognizes and honors quickly with the least amount of work.  Jacob's situation here where his life took a significant turn is a painful message that I must strive with God to reach such a state of my relationship with God and that's not just a one-time deal but an on-going striving with God until He says I've prevailed.

[P] Dear Father, I want to strive with You every day and want to be recognized as the one who prevailed to do greater works for Your ministry.  May Your glory never depart from this forgiven prodigal.  In Jesus' name. Amen.