Between Calamity & CallingSample

WRESTLES

Sometimes I think to myself when watching wrestling, "Why don't they just ask someone for a hug?" A real intimacy of closeness happens when it comes to wrestling, both in the sport and emotionally. Wrestling is also not something you can do alone. Matthew 26:39 tells us that Jesus found a quiet space, fell face down in prayer with the Father, and wrestled over his calling. It was raw, real, and revealing of the internal wrestle going on in his soul.

I believe this gives us absolute permission to be raw, real, and revealing of our wrestling emotions. It's ok to doubt, and it's ok to feel like throwing in the towel. It's ok to feel what we feel. There will be times when everything inside of us feels like giving up. The key in all of this is to permit ourselves to wrestle through those emotions.

Wrestling is part of the process that brings us to healing and release. So my encouragement to you when you are feeling overwhelmed and ready to give up is to push into the arms of the Father and wrestle out your emotions, questions, disappointments, frustrations, and fears. We all have a calling from the Father, and wrestling in His arms is our safest place.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

• Do you ever struggle with a feeling of guilt when considering giving up?
• What overwhelms you most about your calling?

PRAY

Lord, hear my heart as I wrestle these emotions with you. I pray I grow in a more profound knowledge of your heart. Remind me about the plans you have for me. Help me never lose sight of you.