Jacob wrestled through the night with the Lord, “until the breaking of the day” (Gen. 32:24). Though “Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him” (Gen. 32:25), he would not let go until The LORD blessed him. At times, we, too, strive with God; He strives with us and blesses us by grace. Indeed, Jesus teaches us “always to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1), for He is not an unrighteous judge like the one in the parable (Luke 18.1-8) who only grudgingly forgives. He is the True Son of the True Father. God is eager to forgive. This is why Christ sends pastors, who are to persevere faithfully in their vocation, in what they “have learned and have firmly believed” (2 Tim. 3:14). On the basis of “the sacred writings” (2 Tim. 3:15), they are to “preach the word” at all times and not lose heart (2 Tim. 4:2). Thus, together, pastor and people wrestle with God and—like Jacob—cling in faith to God’s promises.