Many years ago as a young teenager, I witnessed an arm wrestling competition between a man and a woman. Both participants were people that I loved and cared for, were quite muscular, and just a little headstrong. I think the man had visions of an easy win over his female competitor, but that was not to be. The arena was set at a kitchen table in a modest farm house north of Hardwick. At the shout of “GO” both contestants tightened their grip and gave it their all. I don’t remember the exact timing, but the duel seemed to last for hours with clenched fists swaying first one way and then the other. When it seemed like the match would go on forever, the stronger opponent prevailed and SHE was declared the winner! Amidst the hoots and hollers, I remember the man laughing and asking for a bag to put over his head. Oh, the shame of being conquered by a girl! J
While this wrestling competition was all in fun and the winner walked away with a few bragging rights, and the loser had to hang his head for a short time, there are other battles in life where the stakes are much higher. In my Sunday School class with the 8-10th graders, we have been discussing another battle—a battle that rages in our mind. We have learned about the weapons that we fight with—prayer, God’s Word, the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit; and how we must capture our thoughts and make them obedient to Christ. This is not a new battle. The enemy has been waging war in our minds from the time of Adam & Eve through this present moment. The Bible is full of examples of people who have surrendered to the enemy in the battlefield of their mind. Even David, writes in Psalm 13:2, “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my mind?”
We read about another wrestling match in Genesis chapter 32. Jacob wrestles with his past and thoughts of his pending meeting with his estranged brother. Throughout the night he wrestles with a man, and even after having his hip disjointed, he will not withdraw from the match until he receives a blessing. In addition to the blessing he receives a new name, Israel, meaning “one who has struggled with God”. Jacob recognizes the blessing that he has received in coming face to face with God and having his life spared.
In one form or another, we can probably all relate to David or Jacob’s struggle with God and with ourselves. We wrestle with the whys of losing a child or an unfaithful spouse, a business venture that failed or an opportunity that didn’t pan out. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does the sun shine on the righteous and wicked alike? We struggle with exhausting all medical options, or letting nature run its course. Should we make the phone call, the visit; or should we mind our own business. How could this happen? What good could come of this?
I have been doing some wrestling of my own. Most of my conflicts are self-imposed guilt of should-haves and did-nots. I wrestle with fear, and pride, and being enough. Some days, I too would like to put a bag over my head and hide my spiritual weaknesses, but just like Jacob, I’m not letting go. I haven’t been given a new name, but there has been blessing and growth in the midst of the battle.
May it be said of us that even in our times of wrestling we are blessed to have come face to face with God, to have gained a new perspective, and to live a changed life. There is victory in Jesus!
Erin Jacobsma