Wrestling with God
This group of Christians believe it is extremely important that we teach the Word of God to our kids.
Season 4, Episode 45 · Wrestling with God
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The story behind the idea
He said, Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.
What stands out
I'm not sure about that, but here is something I want you to understand. God answered Jacob's cry for need in a time of great stress by engaging him in a way that would test his limits. That's probably not what Jacob wanted, but it is what he needed.
Why it matters
The text actually says that Jacob won the wrestling match, dislocated hip and all. His name is changed from a word that means to supplant, like he had done with his brother, to a word that means to strive with God. In a moment of grace, God lets him win because Jacob is changed by this, and God is pleased. God is like a dad who lets his twelve year old win at arm wrestling because he just wouldn't give up and was giving it all that he had.
A faithful way forward
That makes me think of James 1 and how we count it all joy when we face various trials. Maybe it's people in your life, agents of God leaning on you, uncomfortably pushing you to do what is right. Instead of saying, God, make it easy, make it all go away, make it better. Maybe you need to tell yourself, I may not need an easy way.
Put it into practice
Two, God will often engage you in times of anxiety and fear. Three, God rewards those who will not let go no matter what, and four, God may send you out weaker in flesh, but strong in faith. I will use the I pronouns in addressing God, but if you're willing, consider the I here to be you.
Take the idea with you.
- 01What idea from this study most needs my attention right now?
- 02Where does this challenge the way I am currently thinking or living?
- 03What is one faithful step I can take this week?
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