Have you ever been in a wrestling match with God?  Think of the times when he has asked you to do something for him and within yourself begins a struggle to obey or not.  All of us have been in that situation.  Or how about the times when you believe God is calling you to a particular action and you give up on it before you truly have an answer.  This too, is common to us all. 

     What does it look like for us to struggle with God?  How is it that we are to hang in there waiting and striving as we journey with him? What is the outcome of the match?

     We have examples of wrestling with God in Scripture, that can give us insights for us to consider as we grapple with God.  In Genesis 32:24-31 we read,

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak.  When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.  Then he said, “let me go, for the day is breaking.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go, unless you bless me.” So he said to him, “what is your name?” And he said , “Jacob.”  Then the man said, “You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed.”  The Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him.  So Jacob called the place Peniel ,saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved. (NRSV)

     We are not told what question or occasion brought on this wrestling match, but Jacob did not quit early or give up, he persevered.  As Jacob hung in there with God, God gave him his blessing.  What ever the struggle was about, Jacob learned what it was he was to do.  And in the process God gave him to very tangible reminders of their time together.  God gave him a new name which empowered him of his mission, and he was left with a physical reminder, a limp.  The name change and the limp were not only for him to remember, but also for those whom he would lead.

     In the Passion of Christ we see another example of a struggle, in Mark 14: 32-36,

They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”  He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated.  And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And going a little farther, he through himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. (NRSV)

     Jesus had a deep connection with the Father, and yet in his humanness there was a struggle.  He wanted there to be another way if possible.  He prayed and wrestled with God.  The outcome was obedience. Obedience to the point of death.

     Both Jesus and Jacob had faith and relationship with the father.  It was because of this strong connection and faith, that they were able to strive with God.  What we can learn from this is that it is ok, to be real before God. It is ok, to struggle, and question,  in the end we can yet come to the place of blessing and obedience.

     How is it that you have wrestled with God?  Did you persevere to the end of the match?  What was the outcome?

Picture: Sumo Wrestling , by The Other View