The Wrestler

As many of you know, I spent a few days last week moving into a new home - a smaller, simpler home.  Of course, moving means packing and packing means finding things you haven't seen in years.  I came across this old newspaper clipping from my high school years.  Yes, I was a wrestler.

I loved wrestling and hated it at the same time.  I loved it because it was one of the most physically demanding sports I've ever played.  I hated it for the same reason.  BTW - If someone tells you they are a wrestler, they are most likely in better shape than you think.   And, hey are probably consuming less than a third of the calories they really need and about half of the water.  It's a sport of discipline and endureance.

Although wrestling is a team sport, it hinges on the performance of individuals.  When you wrestle, you are alone on the mat.  There's no one around to help you and there can be no one to blame when you lose.  You are either prepared or you aren't.  You win because of you; you lose because of you.  It's you, your opponent, and six minutes.
Wrestling is a battle of strength and will.
Wrestling is about struggle.
Wrestling is about submission.


There was a pretty famous wrestling match recorded in Genesis Chapter 32.   God and Jacob wrestle for an entire night and God, realizing Jacob would not be overpowered, dislocates Jacob's hip.  Even still, Jacob keeps wrestling.  He keeps grappling and holding on until God finally, at daybreak, demands Jacob release Him.

"Not until you bless me," Jacob says.  So God blesses him and changes his name to "Israel ... because you have struggled with God and with men and not been overcome." Jacob later names the place, "Face of God" because he came face-to-face with God and God let him live.

Sometimes I feel like I've been in a life-long wrestling match with God.  I struggle with Him as I try to move, try to manipulate, try to bend God to my will.  And He lovingly does the same to me.  As we grapple, God in His Wisdom, keeps breaking me in strategic places, sometimes very painful places.  And in my exhaustion, I hold on to Him ... sometimes just so I can just catch my breath a little so that I can keep on wrestling!  And fight Him as I do, in His Mercy, God lets me live on this planet another day, even though He knows I will continue to struggle against Him.

I've grown weary from wresting with God and perhaps you have, too.  Maybe this is just a season of wrestling for you and that's ok.  But maybe,  it's just time to submit.  Either way, t's good to know that win, lose, or draw, God is ready to change your name and bless you.