Spiritual wrestling matches
Have you ever been in a wrestling match? I have, and it definitely requires strength and determination. I’ve wrestled with my brothers, sisters, friends, and enemies. When I was 8 years old, I added an element of skill by taking judo classes at a local gym. Those skills helped me win a lot of skirmishes.
The Bible teaches, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, NKJV) friend, there is a spiritual dimension that is very active and determined. God wants to bless us, but Satan wants to “‘steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.’” (John 10:10, NKJV) Although we don’t see spiritual battles with our physical eyes, we experience the results in our bodies, relationships, and finances. We can even see the results of spiritual warfare in nations, neighborhoods, and cities. We must learn how to wrestle with the enemy of our souls. We must wrestle in order to win, and we will need skills, courage, and determination for sure.
Another form of wrestling will help us gain even more victories: wrestling with the Lord. The Bible reveals that “When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’ But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ The man asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Jacob,’ he answered. Then the man said, ‘Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.’” (Genesis 32:25-28, NIV)
Wrestling with God is not a violent mix-up. It’s tenacious praying, standing in faith, and persevering until God moves on your behalf. In the old tent meetings, people used to tarry at the altar until they received their breakthrough. Jesus even taught us about the stubborn widow who wouldn’t take no for an answer: “‘“yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.”’” (Luke 18:5, NKJV)
As you read this story, please take a stand in prayer. Tell us how we can pray with you and don’t take no for an answer. Although the devil and people will say no, your best friend Jesus will say yes. You’ve wrestled with Him many times, and He thinks you are a miracle.
