By Corey
As of late, my favorite story from Scripture is found in Genesis 32. Jacob is beginning to make 
his way back to Esau to ask for forgiveness. The story continues on when Jacob is left alone at night and “a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” (Genesis 32:24 ESV). As morning arrives the man tells Jacob to stop wrestling but Jacob holds on and will not let go of the man. And as we know, Jacob is blessed, his name is changed to Israel and his life delivered.
I love this passage because it demonstrates two aspects of faith. First, it shows that it is okay to wrestle with God. I think this is a crucial part of faith, which is often avoided as often as possible. However, I know from my own experience that I grow the most when I am struggling or confused with what God is doing in my life. I further see this in our class, Missional Church. Take for instance the four pastors that came in and talked with us. One of the things that I saw in common between the four was that they all got to where they are through trials and times of questioning. Colby had been stopped from going to China two times and the other three all had really discouraging experiences with the Church. Through these struggles, it became clear that each one was grateful for what they had gone through because it brought them closer to Jesus.
The second idea that is demonstrated in this passage is that in order to wrestle with certain ideas one needs to be determined to stay faithful and find the answer. For me, this idea resonates more firmly because anyone can struggle or doubt, but it takes faith and determination to work through that struggle. I am most amazed at how Jacob held onto the man fighting him and demand that he blessed. This is what I want to do; I want to hold on to God so that I can bless others through God’s blessing on me.
There is something profound about wrestling with God. When Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow me” he didn’t mean that we are in for a smooth and pain-free ride. If we are to be in this for the long haul, we are going to have to endure quite a few hardships, especially if our hearts are truly set on following God and serving people. I learn the most when I am beat up by the powers of this world and come out on the other end alive, not necessarily with everything figured out, neat and clean. God is shaping us and allows us to walk through the fire, so we can love him more and appreciate his love for us better.
I love this!! So often today we are told that if you become a Christian you will have “Your Best Live Now”….when in reality it is going to be a struggle. But it is working through that struggle and fighting that we will receive our blessing. We have to remember that God is not always a gentle potter……
Corey,
I can really relate with what you’re writing about. Sometimes I feel that to struggle is to doubt, but it is a way that we get to know God better. Maybe it is a little bit of doubt, but what we learn through the struggle often overcomes the doubt and allows us to be more confident in our faith. I think what you wrote at the end is really beautiful, the idea of being blessed through struggle so that we can bless others. Thank you for sharing that!
P.S. I think we think very similarly on a lot of things.
Corey!!
I really resonate with what you have to say on this topic. I struggle with God often and I find myself questioning, doubting and feeling frustrated with His ways. I read the bible and at times I see the truth and the Holy Spirit gives me grace to see it as good news. And there are times where I just have to wrestle with God in faith that His will and His words are true and they are good. I have to be humbled and realize my ignorance and inability to understand His ways. I really liked what D.B. had to say “we should not see God (or others) as a problem to be solved but a mystery to be revered.” I am thankful to believe in a God that appreciates my honesty and my struggles. I am thankful for a God that also reveals his truth and is faithful when I persevere.