28 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.”
The name change only takes place after the struggle and touch. Jacob, the deceiver, has spent twenty years running from his past. He is about to come face to face with his own brother from whom he wrangled the family blessing. Jacob has admitted he is the deceiver by acknowledging his name to the angel. We have to come face to face with our past in order for God to change our name and consequently our character and family. Jacob had to wrestle with himself first. He always fought his own name. He always justified his actions to save face. He has to finally admit he is a deceiver. Then the Lord changes his name. We must be honest with ourselves and with the Lord before God can truly work in us. In what ways are you not being honest about yourself before the Lord? When you get honest, then the Lord can change your name and in doing so move you from your past into your future.
The Arnold Journey 