Christianity is about a relationship between the Lord God and us. As in any relationship both sides have to put effort into forming the relationship and keeping it moving forward. The Lord’s love for us is great and already has been demonstrated by Jesus’ sacrifice. All we need to do is reciprocate and draw closer to the Lord. The more energy we put into the relationship the more the Lord will draw closer and bind with us in unity.

This reciprocating of effort of attention, conversation, honor, and love is demonstrated in the book of Genesis.

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak.  When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.  Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."  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 men and have overcome."  Jacob said, "Please tell me your name." But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there.  So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."

Wresting is an intimate event. The Lord God could have easily overpowered Jacob but in love He only matched Jacob’s strength. Jacob would not let go and wrestled with God through the night and until daybreak when the Lord wrenched his hip and then blessed him.

This example is a physical representation of how our relationship with God will be. If we do not let go of God embracing Him with all of our energies and might in service, obedience, and love then He will reciprocate. The Lord will be gracious and bless us with spiritual gifts that only He can provide. He will even give us a new name but that may not be until we are with Him in Heaven.

Take the wrestling example of Jacob and understand its significance in your relationship with the Lord. Make sure you are giving your all otherwise the Lord may slip away without blessing you.