Wild TestamentSample

Jacob Wrestles With God

Have you ever been in a wrestling match? The goal is simple. Be the person on top through whatever means necessary. Now, imagine wrestling with God. 

In Genesis 32, Jacob, the grandson of Abraham and son of Issac, is in a dilemma. Jacob is desperately praying to God for help as he leads his family and belongings to a new land. Jacob hears trouble is ahead, and as night falls, a guest joins him and challenges him to a wrestling match. 

Jacob eventually realizes his opponent is God! Both were unrelenting. Jacob refused to quit until he received a blessing from God, and God refused to quit until He could experience left a mark on Jacob. How does it end? You will have to read to find out. 

Similar to Jacob, we experience many emotions that drive us to wrestle with God. We might be angry with Him, disappointed with Him, or like Jacob, we’re scared He won’t come through for us. God invites us to wrestle through these emotions with Him. He knows we’ll never leave a wrestling match with God and stay the same. 

Reflect:

• Has an experience ever made you question or doubt God? If so, how did you handle it? Did you grow closer to or move farther from God?
• What emotions do you find difficult to share with God?
• What do you need to be honest with God about right now?