Many are familiar with the Biblical story of Jacob’s wrestling with the man or angel, on the night before his reunion encounter with Esav. The verse says, “And Jacob remained alone, and a man wrestled him until the morning.”
This preface of “remaining alone” can be understood in two different ways as a life-message for all of us.
A) It’s because of Jacob remaining alone that the man wrestled him. Sometimes, its because we distance ourselves from friends and community, that we grapple and struggle with issues. People who are alone in life, are alone with their thoughts, without the support of others who can help them get through life’s challenges.
B) Jacob needed to be alone. He needed to have this struggle. He could not have this struggle in the company of his family and friends. We can’t sail through life ignoring our inner struggles and challenges, instead we must take time to work things out, think things over, get a handle on inner issues, face up to them personally. Sometimes it is best to do this alone.
Whichever way, there’s one more piece to the story that is helpful to remember: Dawn is about to break and the angel says he has to head out. Jacob insists that the angel first bless him. Bless him? Isn’t this the same guy who has been fighting him all night?
This teaches us that no matter how painful, hurtful and challenging life’s struggles may be, there’s always a blessing in it for us. We have to seek out and insist on getting that blessing.