Genesis 32:22-31

     My father loves the former World Wrestling Federation (WWF).  Dad spent Sunday afternoons watching the likes of Hulk Hogan, Macho Man Randy Savage, Ric Flair, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan (Ho!).  I know what you’re thinking.  Does a pastor actually watch men beat the living tar out of one another?

     Perhaps Dad comes by his passion for fisticuffs honestly.  The tussle between God and Jacob is a match that would be the envy of any mixed martial artist.  Following round after round of sparring with one another, God wrenches Jacob’s hip from its socket yet Jacob refuses to stop fighting.  God insists that Jacob release his grip before sunrise out of concern that Jacob would see God’s face.  (It was believed that to look upon God’s face directly would result in one’s immediate death.)

     However, Jacob demands that God bless Jacob before God takes leave.  God first asks Jacob his name followed by Jacob asking the same of God.  Herein belies Jacob’s real problem.  Jacob believes that he can gain mastery over God.  To know someone’s name is to gain power over that someone.

     Jacob is a really smart guy.  Prior to his throw down with God, Jacob previously had proven himself capable of defeating any foe that might come against him.  Yet Jacob met his match in God.

     I can relate.  I’ve spent many a night tussling with God myself.  I have railed against actions that God has either taken or not taken.  I’ve taken issue with the manner in which God has managed situations.  In short, I tell God that I just don’t understand the choices He has made and that everyone involved would fare better if I were in charge.

     Of course, I always find myself in a fight that I cannot win.  In fact, I typically walk away from the encounter confused and limping, which isn’t a bad thing.  The author of Proverbs 3:5-6 writes, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (NLT).  The key word in this command is “depend.”  The question being, upon whom will you depend?  Upon whose wisdom do you rely?

     Trust in God is never easily or painlessly gained.  Oftentimes, true faith finds itself blurry-eyed and spiritually bruised.  Relinquishing one’s bent to self-mastery rarely comes without a struggle.  Yet, when the struggle ends and the dust settles remember that the sun still will rise, a new day will dawn, and hope will be ultimately never disappointed.