big-time wrestling
"Then some man wrestled with him until the break of dawn." —Genesis 32:25
The Lord has wonderful plans for us — "plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope" (Jer 29:11). However, He will not force us to accept His plans. We must say with Mary: "Let it be done to me according to Your word" (Lk 1:38, our transl).
The Lord had a wonderful plan for Jacob. To say "yes" to this plan, Jacob had to:
- wrestle "with divine and human beings" all night (Gn 32:29),
- suffer injury (Gn 32:26),
- receive a blessing (Gn 32:27), and
- have his name changed (Gn 32:29).
To say "yes" to God often requires ongoing suffering and major changes in our lives. These will result in great blessings. However, we may struggle all night or longer to believe this.
God has great plans (see Heb 11:40). He's looking for limping, tired, changed, and blessed wrestlers to accept them (see Heb 12:12ff). Will you wrestle?
Prayer: Father, give me the grace to wrestle against and prevail over "the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above" (Eph 6:12).
Promise: "The harvest is good but laborers are scarce. Beg the Harvest Master to send out laborers to gather His harvest." —Mt 9:37-38
Praise: Ann's husband ridicules her and derides her faith. She responds by loving him, praying for him, and trusting Jesus for his conversion.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, November 12, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 1996