Wrestling

Wrestling

The point of wrestling with God is to give you an opportunity to cling to him. God wants you to hang on to him no matter what—and the result will be blessing. . . . In that divine wrestling match, you may feel wounded, but you will also receive a blessing you couldn’t have received any other way.

Jennifer Rothschild

My child, you’ve been wrestling with Me night and day for a long time. Through tears, you’ve begged Me for answers. You know I’m the Author of peace, not confusion, and that I hear your cries. You’ve pleaded with Me for resolution and understanding. You keep seeking My face as you implore Me to intervene on behalf of your loved one. You won’t let go until I bless you—and that’s something I can’t resist.

Jacob wrestled with Me one night, and during that struggle I threw his hip out of joint. He walked with a limp after that, but he finally reached a place of peace and blessing. From then on he walked in God-confidence. His faith was no longer only the faith of his father and his grandfather—it was his own. When you cling to Me in the middle of your struggle, totally committed to not letting go until you get My blessing, your faith will be cemented. You may feel wounded, but you will know you’ve been touched by Me.

Jacob said, “I’m not letting you go ’til you bless me.” The man said, “What’s your name?” He answered, “Jacob.” The man said, “But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it’s Israel (God-Wrestler); you’ve wrestled with God and you’ve come through.”

Genesis 32:26-28, MSG