A week ago, I had the privilege of watching one of my sons wrestle at a state tournament. The tournament consisted of two long days of patiently waiting to see my son wrestle for 6 minutes each match. He wrestled hard and was up against some heavy hitters for his weight class. Unfortunately he didn't place, but he did quite well in my book. Especially since this was his first year. Needless to say, I am proud of him and I have been bitten by the wrestling mom bug. My husband finds this quite humorous.
As I watched these young men and women wrestle this weekend, I couldn't help but think about the story intone bible of Jacob's wrestling match. (Genesis 32:24-31)
I always thought it was just a little rough housing, nothing extremely intense. I knew Jacob was some stiff competition and God threw his hip socket out of joint. But after watching these kids wrestle with all their might and strength, seeing them sweat profusely, their faces turning red and even pain etched across their face, it brought a whole new perspective to light with that story.
Jacob's name meant deceiver. We know he lived up to it quite well ; stealing his brothers birthright, tricking his father into giving him the blessing meant for his brother, being dishonest in dealing with his father in law. He had an interesting life of trickery and deceit.
When he wrestled with God, he was preparing to meet his brother Esau. The one he betrayed years ago with the birthright and the blessing. He wasn't too sure that Esau would want to see him. He had the idea that he might even kill him.
I think Jacob was ready for a change in his life. He was ready to be honest and make amends. Yet there were some things God had to deal with in Jacob's heart, hence the wrestling. I'm thinking this wrestling match was pretty intense. Jacob probably had sweat dripping from his face. He probably was in pain and was put in some hard positions. Ones that were not easy to get out of. He was wrestling with the Lord of Lord's and King of King's. The most mighty being in all the earth. And yet God in all His mercy, didn't defeat Jacob with a "pin". Instead He touched his hip socket and caused it to go out of joint. He than blessed Jacob and gave him a new name, Israel. God said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed." -Genesis 32:24 NKJ he gave him a name that would be spoken throughout all generations. A name that refers to a nation of people. He gave him a new beginning; one of purpose. A plan for a nation.
There are times that I have felt I am wrestling with God. I can feel the intensity in my heart, the pain of holding on or being put in a position that is uncomfortable, unnatural for my human body. My mind steps in and only makes things worse. I do not want to give up things that I feel are important or let go of dreams I have had. Yet God in His mercy will touch the deep places in my heart and give me the opportunity to let go. He than will minister to the aches and pains received in the fight. He is gracious and kind, loving and forgiving. He reminds me, I am His child and He has a plan, a purpose that is so much greater than even I know or can comprehend.
There is a plan in the wrestling match. It is not necessarily to break us down, it's not even a win/lose situation. It is more of a surrendering and a rest. As I surrender to my creator, He makes things come together in my life. As I obey, He blesses beyond my natural mind. As I let go than I am able to rest. And in the resting, I find peace, joy & strength for my soul.
