The name Israel, given to Jacob by God after a night of wrestling at Peniel, signifies prevailing with God. This transformation from Jacob, the supplanter, to Israel, the overcomer, reflects a journey of struggle and eventual triumph through God's protection and guidance. Jacob's persistence in wrestling with God and his subsequent reconciliation with Esau demonstrate his growth into one who prevails. Similarly, the church, referred to as the Israel of God by Paul in Galatians 6:16, embodies this same spirit of overcoming. Members of God's church are called to prevail over their sinful nature, to come out of the world, and to strive as Jacob did, ultimately qualifying to inherit the Kingdom of God and to rule as princes forever with Him. Like Jacob, who received a new name symbolizing his victory, the faithful in the church also look forward to receiving a new name and sharing in the triumph of overcoming through faith and perseverance.

Jacob's life was marked by continuous struggles, which culminated in his wrestling match with God in Genesis 32. This event was pivotal as it taught Jacob that he could not prevail against God's will. Despite his physical strength and cunning, Jacob learned that God's will would always be done, regardless of his efforts to control outcomes. The wrestling match ended with God changing Jacob's name to Israel, which means "God commands" or "God prevails," underscoring that God, not Jacob, was in control. This lesson was crucial for Jacob, as it highlighted his inability to manipulate or deceive God, and it served as a reminder of God's overarching authority in his life.

The concept of prevailing with God is central to the process of overcoming, as exemplified by Jacob's wrestling match with God in Genesis 32. Jacob's tenacity and unwillingness to let go until he received a blessing illustrate the attitude God desires in us. This struggle and endurance led to Jacob's name being changed to Israel, symbolizing his prevailing with God and men. This transformation marks a shift in Jacob's character from deceit to perseverance and striving with God. The Israel of God, or the elect, are called to emulate this tenacious spirit, holding fast to Christ as Jacob did. Despite the pain and obstacles, Jacob clung to God, striving harder to endure and receive the blessing. This episode signifies a turning point in Jacob's life, reflecting the kind of dedication and persistence God expects from us in our Christian journey. Prevailing with God involves a lifelong commitment to transform into Christ's image, overcoming the ungodly aspects of our human nature, the influence of the world, and the adversary, Satan. It requires us to be dogged and unrelenting in our pursuit of what is good and godly, striving with God to receive His blessings and ultimately, eternal life.