Genesis 32:27-28, "The man asked him, ‘What is your name?' ‘Jacob' he answered. Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.'"

Think

"Wrestling can and will change your identity." Think about how often you are you asked to show your I.D.  What would happen if you carried around the wrong ID? What would happen if you lost or had your ID stolen? It wouldn't take long for it to wreak havoc in your life! Knowing who you are goes beyond the name on your ID. But, as we see in Jacob's story, your name is a crucial starting point. Jacob had wrestled God all night, when God asked him, "What is your name?" He wanted Jacob to confess his name, "Jacob," which means "manipulator, deceiver, liar." God needed Jacob to get honest and admit, "I am a sinner.  My problem is me.  My name is Jacob." Jacob's confession led God to give him a new name, a new identity.  He would no longer be "Jacob," but "Israel," which means "warrior with God." Jacob had struggled with God and had overcome.  Likewise, when I submit my life to Jesus Christ and let God win the struggle, I get a new name, a new identity.  My new I.D. is "Christian."  I am a follower of Christ and now I can overcome! How about you?  Have you come to the place where you are willing to admit that you, too, are Jacob – a manipulator, mistake-maker, sinner?  If you have, are you living up to your namesake or are you suffering from identity theft?

Act

If you are ready for your new identity pray the prayer below and let us know in the Contact section of the app. We'd love to celebrate with you! If you are a Christian, write "I am a child of God!" on a notecard. Then, place it where you will see it regularly in order to remind yourself not only who you are, but whose you are.

Pray

Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner and that I have messed up. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that God raised him from the dead. I choose to follow you. Thank you for loving me enough to wrestle with me. I know that submitting to you will provide the strength and courage I need. In Jesus' name, Amen!