The Importance Of Time Alone


Jacob was quite a character. There’s really no way for me to adequately tell his story in this short blog, but you can read all about him in Genesis. His name meant, supplanter. He earned it by grasping at his  brother Esau’s heal during childbirth. Jacob was a twin, and although born second already appeared to be fighting for his position in life. A supplanter is usually a political term referring to one who trips up, or topples another government.

During Jacob’s life he kept grasping at heels. From covering his arms with goat hair to trick his blind father into believing he was his brother, to haggling with his older brother to exchange some soup for his birthright, Jacob became known as a deceiver. He was that person you know who’s always wheeling and dealing. You’re never quite sure if you can trust them. He ended up having to flee for his life, gets a father-in-law who is as conniving as he is, but God never gives up on him. Our Father is like that. Always leaving the 99 to go find the one.

One night everything changed when Jacob wrestled with God.

“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.””
Genesis 32:27-28 NIV

In the days that led up to this night Jacob was traveling back home to see his brother. He was afraid his brother might still be angry and split his family into two groups, and sent them on ahead of him. I’m sure he was hoping Esau wouldn’t harm his nephews and nieces. Let the kids win him over and then I’ll show up, seems to have been the strategy. That night when Jacob was alone we find the text above. Time alone with God changed him from a Jacob to an Israel. The deceiver became a child of promise and hope.

Time alone with God still has the same impact on God’s people. It is alone on our knees, out on a quiet prayer walk, time resting and wrestling in God’s presence that we are changed within. Let’s make sure it’s a regular part of our journey. And if you think you’re a bit too stuck in your ways to change, allow me to assure you that the same God who never gave up on Jacob has never given up on you.

Following the Son,

James A Williams

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