I referenced today’s text in my message Sunday at Asbury, talking about the stories in the Bible can really really hit us where we are.  For me, one of the stories in the bible that really hits me, hits me hard, is the notion of wrestling with God.

Sometimes, faith is hard.  Sometimes, it is a real challenge.  Sometimes, we just have to hold one.  Sometimes, we wrestle with God.  Listen to what is says in Genesis 32: 24-30:

And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.”  Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”

Don’t be discouraged when faith is a challenge.  Don’t give up when it is hard. Sometimes faith can be a real challenge.  Sometimes it really is work to hold on, to believe, even when it is hard.

Just because faith is a challenge, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have faith.  Just because it is work, doesn’t mean that you don’t believe.  Just because you have challenges, it doesn’t mean that you are not a believe.

Sometimes, we are like Jacob.  We believe.  We have faith.  We know God. But it’s just hard.  A hard time.  A hard season.  A hard experience.  In those times, hold on.  Cling tight.  Wrestle with God.  He won’t let go.

You don’t either. Hold on.  No matter how hard it may be, hold on.  God’s got you.

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