Jacobs Wrestling Match

Jacob met an angel by the river. They get into a fight and wrestle until dawn. Jacob walks away bruised but blessed. Not the average bible story! But it just happened to be the story behind our sermon this past Sunday, which can be found here.

I like this story. It gives me hope. Because like many people (even ‘Pastor’ people) I find that faith does not come easily. I struggle with the inconsistencies of what I believe. I listen to the arguments of those that see no need for God and often find myself agreeing with what they say. I struggle with the actions and mistakes that the church has made and will make. I struggle, not only with my own beliefs, but to recognize as genuine the beliefs of others that also claim the name Christian.

That is why this story gives me hope. Because Jacob’s struggle is very physical and very real. It involves his whole being. This is not some early morning prayer on a beautiful mountaintop just as the sun is rising and the birds are singing. This is hands on struggling to find a way through the darkness and grappling with the unknown.

And the reason I like this story so much is that in the midst of the struggle is God. A God representation that does not seek to justify itself or explain itself or rationalize itself, but a presence that gets hold of Jacob and challenges him; “Go ahead. Make my day”. A presence that will not let him pass by.

And when Jacob does walk away, he limps. He is hurting. Yet he also has a new name. Israel. A name that indicates the striving of God. The God who will seek to bless us even as we seek to usurp His place.

So, I guess where I’m going with this is to say; “Don’t be afraid of the struggles. Believing was never meant to be a breeze. Faith is fire. “

Prayer: “Lord, we come before You with all our doubts and struggles. In the midst of them, help us to find Your presence. We thank You that You are the God who strives to bless us. And even though our walk of faith can truly be quite lame, let us never give up our seeking after truth. Amen.”