Okay, a slight deviation from cute kid pictures and stories about bodily functions . . . I was feeling like a slug, so I decided to combine my quiet time and prayer time together with a run this morning (kids are in preschool now, so this little window of time still feels like a miracle!). Tomorrow I’m excited to be starting a new Bible study on the book of James (my second study on James this year – I’m a slow learner, so clearly the Lord has something to teach me that I didn’t learn the first time). James has always been my favorite book because it’s short, but jam-packed with messages that I can apply to everyday life. James style of writing reminds me so much of my Dad because he doesn’t “beat around the bush” and you can’t get away with anything – he always expects you to be real. Anyway, I was thinking of how excited and scared I get when it’s time to wrestle with God’s word again. Some of you might receive God’s word easily — like sitting in a classroom or making an amazing scientific discovery or watching a breathtaking sunset –- but not me. For me to really get it, I have to wrestle. And like Jacob, who wrestled with God, I always walk away blessed but limping. I used to think it was cruel that God maimed Jacob, but now I think of it as a symbol of grace and dependence. God could have crushed Jacob and been ticked off at him for being audacious enough to wrestle, but instead God had mercy on him and Jacob was never the same. It makes me laugh when people say that religion is a crutch, like that’s a bad thing. Life is hard – I’ll take the crutch! I’m not too proud to say that I need help and I can’t do it on my own. Seems a little crazy to wrestle with God, a incredibly unfair fight, but if I think of God like a sparring partner, it makes more sense. He knows life is going to be tough and He wants to challenge me, make me quicker, stronger, smarter – but He always makes sure I land on my ass every once in a while just to make sure I don’t get cocky and to keep me humble. I know it’s going to hurt, but I’m ready to wrestle. I’m certain to walk away blessed but limping – not defeated, but dependent.
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Hey T,
I am enjoying all your writings and I have a feeling that this is going to be a great experience for everyone who reads your material. It will also be wonderful for you to express yourself and have your thoughts and ideas in writing. Of course, I love you and I think everything your write is great, but the most wonderful thing is that you are not afraid to challenge me, or any one else and that your feel comfortable enough to do it. That shows a lot of maturity and willingness to seek out the truth. I even challenge myself at times and find it very refreshing. Keep on seeking because you have been given a great gift far beyond that of your dad. When I was your age I was not nearly as competent and insightful as your are at your age. I am sure by the time you get to be my age you will be so far ahead of me in your understanding and relationship with God. In fact I think you are already there.
. Keep up the good work.