Get Off the Bench and In the Game

And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” So He said to him, “What is your name?”He said, “Jacob.” And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”(Genesis 32:22-28)

Jacob did not sit idly by and watch life go by. He was not simply a "fan" of God. In fact, he questioned God at times and as we read here, he STRUGGLED with God! Yet he never simply sat on the bench. Have you ever STRUGGLED with what God was challenging you to do or with how God was moving in your life? I have! There were times, and still are, that I think, "What if I simply sit back and watch from the bench?" Why STRUGGLE? So as a result I have a few scars and yes, limps from my struggles. But it has all been worth it. I know God much better for the struggles! If you're struggling, be sure to struggle WITH God and not AGAINST God!