Often, on Saturdays in the 1980s, my brother and I watched professional wrestling on TV. We were mesmerized by the acrobatics and the seemingly super-human body slams that shook the wrestling ring. We rooted for the good guys and pointed at the screen exclaiming things like “Did you see that?” and “Ooooh, that had to hurt!” Fortunately, we did not try (many of) those moves at home.
The Bible records one incredible wrestling match between Jacob and an opponent—God in the form of a man. Obscured by the veil of night, He approached and “wrestled with [Jacob] until the dawn began to break” (Genesis 32:24). Apparently Jacob was one scrappy guy, because he hung in there until his Opponent dislocated Jacob’s hip with just a touch (Genesis 32:25). Despite Jacob’s efforts to out-maneuver God, God was still in control.
Even with a disabled hip, Jacob refused to loosen his grip unless he received a blessing. God renamed Him “Israel” (which means “God fights”), blessed him, and then went on His way. Left alone, Jacob realized, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared” (Genesis 32:30). Jacob met the day injured, sleep-deprived, but astonished by his encounter with his Maker.
Are you struggling with God today? Maybe His Word has revealed His will for your life in a certain area, but you’re not ready to surrender. You know He wants you to give up an addiction, regain your integrity at work, or abandon a relationship that’s not honoring to Him.
Don’t wrestle through the night as Jacob did. Acknowledge God’s perfect, loving ways and surrender to Him. Let His comfort renew your hope (Psalm 94:19). Cling to Him and stand amazed as you encounter the living God.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Corinthians 15:1-20
More:
Read Lamentations 3:1-23 for a look at one prophet’s struggle with God. Look up Acts 22:6-11 and compare that story with Jacob’s experience.
Next:
What happens when we try to out-maneuver God in our lives? What things are typically at the center of our struggles with God?
mike wittmer on November 25, 2013 at 7:33 am
What an amazing story! So many intriguing parts that you brought out, Jennifer. Giving our life to Jesus is a violent, wrenching decision, but when we do we receive a new name too! And then we limp, as a sweet reminder that we have been changed forever by God.
tom felten on November 25, 2013 at 3:35 pm
It’s so true, Jennifer. We often wrestle through the night with God instead of simply surrendering our sins or struggles to Him. May we submit to His authority and find the joy and hope that only He can give.
poohpity on November 25, 2013 at 3:42 pm
It is amazing how things turn out when we give up trying to do things our own way which normally has devastating results to realizing the peace and contentment found in doing things the way the creator has told us is best with very good results. From rebellion to trust.
wisdom1987 on November 30, 2013 at 8:36 am
In the case of Jacob he did not anticipate a wrestling bout with God,but God had to show up any way to address issues in his life.This devotional is a sign post reminding me of the issues that God has placed His demands on but I have been wrestling through unbelief and reasoning.Lord,take away the stamina of my personality that whenever You show up You will always subdue me.Amen
winn collier on November 30, 2013 at 1:05 pm
I’ve always loved this story, and the intriguing reality that the angel chose to wrestle with Jacob rather than immediately overwhelm him.