Living with a Limp

Jacob wrestled with God.

That is not an easy subject to get your arms around, but the Bible actually forms that exact word picture, “…for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” He endured 20-some years of struggle over 4 chapters. Not only did Jacob have an exhausting physical push-and-shove with the angel, he had a whole family thing he struggled that unfolds, particularly with his father-in-law, Laban.

Yet, he prevailed. Here is a picture of all the irregular people we have have to deal with. A picture of all the frustration and calamity and even unfairness we may have experienced . . .and a picture of dealing with (what we perceive to be) the reluctance or slowness of God to bless. Have you ever been there?
Genesis 28-32 outlines the story and the game plan and you need to read.

• Jacob obeyed God each time God spoke to him.
• Jacob responded to God’s blessing by giving back to him a tithe. (28:22)
• Jacob gave credit to God. (30:30; 31:9)
• Jacob reminded God of His promise. (32:9)

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Jacob believed God. Therefore, he wrestled with the angel until daybreak. He even walked with a limp from that day forward, but he also walked with a blessing.