So many times in my life I stepped off a wrestling mat only to face the real opponent, myself. Turning to a path of destruction that was supposed to bring me closer to how I wanted to be regarded, I found myself lost, angered, confused and reckless throughout my teens and 20’s. With the work ethic and grit only a wrestler understands, I attacked life with an unmatched intensity that was rewarded with everything BUT anything.
There are times in life that God only gives his blessing only after a prolonged period of pain. In Genesis 32, Jacob finds himself in a wrestling match with God as he waits for his brother Esau to arrive with an army of men. Scared of Esau’s arrival and intending to spend the night alone to not bring harm to his family, Jacob engaged in a wrestling match. It was only when Jacob wrestled with God for an entire night, ultimately leading to a dislocated hip, that his faith would be restored and his fears would fade away.
I whole heartily believe all struggles with God in faith lead to a higher stature of peace. Last night, as I came home from practice, put my kids to bed, waited for my wife to get home, and reflected on the past couple of weeks with our boys, I cant explain the peace that came over my heart. I thank God for nights like last night that never would have happened if I hadn’t stayed on life’s wrestling mat that brought me back to faith in God. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my seasons of pain and struggle like the next guy, but nights like last night remind me how much the fight is worth it.