Wrestle-Mania Revisited or when we wrestle with God

I must admit that during my formative years I was a fan of what was called then, “Big Time Wrestling”. As I understand it, it has gravitated toward more sophisticated names now; RAW, Wrestle-mania, and my personal favorite, “Smackdown.”

I have come to wonder just how “big time” a “sport” could be with grown men parading around a ring with too much body crammed into too little material, sporting outlandish hairdos even more outlandish names– BoBo Brazil, Andre the Giant, and Bruno SanMartino, just to reconnect you with a few. Forgive me, I grew up in the 60’s and 70″s.

I’ve been thinking about this recently because I came upon the passage in Genesis 32 where Jacob finds himself wrestling with God, and I wondered why we seldom if ever do that– wrestle with God in prayer, that is. More often I hear people claiming the promises of God, maybe quoting the prayer of Jabez guaranteeing them prosperity and influence, or my personal favorite, the oft quoted passage from Jeremiah 29:11, most often asking God to honor the plans that they have made for themselves. But less often do I hear praise for the practice of agonizing with God, even anticipating the spiritual wrestling match that the Bible unpacks as wrestling with God. I wonder if we would be better suited and less fearful of our circumstances if we found ourselves more inclined to the disciplined life of intercession that such a wrestling encounter requires. More about preparing for such a life in future articles…

Admittedly, I am no expert with the tenaciousness of such a match– more often I may whisper a thank-you to God when He responds to my request in prayer; or silently grumble when my burden has been dismissed with the slam of the door, or the feeling that I should back later when I am better prepared. But texts like those in Genesis 32 beckon me to explore this relationship I have with God; they reassure me that God specializes in his work with the flawed of us, and provide me with hope that such success is this strategic discipline is possible. What do I take from this unique encounter in the Old Testament?

First, I see a reason for the struggle and the prayer. By all accounts, the sum total of Jacob’s experiences over the last twenty years were positive, with one glowing exception– his relationship with his brother. He had his wife, he had his herd, and he enjoyed success. But what he didn’t have was the peace of a settled past. It still haunted him as he prepared to return home (Gen.32:6-7ff).

Secondly, I see in Jacob’s interaction, a prayer of desperation. He reminds God of His promises, and just to make sure, separates out a large gift for his brother, well in front of his own departure. The gift, the wife and kids, and the caravan, all precede him towards home. Some might call this, front-loading your arrival. But once alone with his own thoughts, he wrestles. This passage has long fascinated me for its naked honesty and authenticity of desire from a desperate man and the willingness of a God to engage in it with us. Check it out

“And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 32:26-26

Make no mistake about it; when the wrestling is done it is clear that Jacob believes that he has been wrestling with God. In fact, his life, if not his name, will never be the same. He will pass on through life forever more with a limp– a constant reminder of his weakness before God. But he will go with the precious reminder of a newfound closeness in his relationship with God– a God who has embraced him, challenged him, and blessed him.

Well then, why should I care…

Our wrestling with God becomes a tool for the disciplined life. It operates more easily when it becomes a habit; where we come regularly before the throne of Grace and bow carefully to his will. Such wrestling becomes the basis for a regular intimate encounter and embrace with the Covenant God that allows for our expression, uncertainty, and anxiety, even as we flail about, grabbing for something, anything that will hold us secure. And it calls us to walk with God in a new way– one which commends to us nothing less than the struggle, the wrestling contest, and where our pleadings are taken seriously and our cause now heard because of its proximity and it’s persistence. Jesus himself suggested as much in Luke 11:5-10.

One final caution-– simply bearing the name, “disciple” does not guarantee an innate ability to wrestle out the burdens of life. Jesus’ disciples were front row observers to the vitality of the Savior’s prayer life and yet when the final exam was given at Gethsemane they showed up with no “stomach” for the match.

What to do

Remember: Wrestling with God is a skill that can be learned. The disciples of the Gethsemane meltdown are the very same troop who later outlasted the pressure of the Jewish leadership who had demanded their silence.

Reflect: Wrestlers are needed– The time for open enrollment has been extended. God is looking for those who will worship Him with their whole heart.

Repeat: Why not develop a steady habit engaging God for the things that really matter in your life. He will always show up for the contest.

MJC