TGIF
“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.”” (Genesis 32:24–28 ESV)
His opponent was easily a couple inches taller and ten pounds heavier.
He wore the best gear available and an attitude that suggested he knew how to use it.
My son was going to get stomped.
He seemed oblivious to this inevitability as he chatted amicably with the stomper and waited for the match to begin.
There would be two one minute rounds, unless of course, the stomping was so thorough that the second round wasn’t necessary.
I didn’t bother to record the fight as I just wanted to encourage him and prepare condolences and ice packs.
When the first round ended, Trey led by a point.
When the match was over all but one official believed he had won.
No matter the final score, he had a victory.
He had overcome his fears and fought with heart and intelligence.
He had ignored all the odds against him and chosen to fight anyway.
He had refused to believe that the outcome was already determined and was willing to risk loss for the chance to succeed.
He was utterly unconcerned about the opinions of judges or spectators.
He inspired a a very tired old man to do the same.
I’m going to do some wrestling against a far superior opponent…wearing a hip pad.
Make your own application…
Good….”He was utterly unconcerned about the opinions of judges or spectators.”
This is my life goal.
Methinks sometimes the ‘far superior opponent’ is ourselves. Not clear on the ‘superior” part.
Many thanks to my pastor friend who shall remain unnamed who helped me put this verse and this story together to make my own application…
Paige,
That is a great observation…
So thankful for friends we have to encourage us, to point us to Jesus, to weep with us, to remind us that there is always more……
Amen, Nonnie!
“He was utterly unconcerned about the opinions of judges or spectators.
He inspired a a very tired old man to do the same.”
Yeah, man, that’s what I’m talking about! =)
Love you, Michael. Thank you
Another win for Trey, inspiring his dear old dad! =)
G,
It was a great lesson…and God is using it.
Ryan,
Thank you…keep fighting.
This is fantastic! Thank you, Michael. Way to go, Trey! Thank you Paigemom. Thank you, Jesus!
CK,
Thank you…I hope it provides enough spiritual gasoline to get through another day!
Manna = 1 day at a time = stay “in the present moment with God and whomever your with”
…ok, not the best “math” but you get the drift 😉
G,
The math works for me. 😉
I wish he had worn a Bronco helmet.
Love this story.
Thanks, BD. 🙂
Out of over 7 million spermazota each and every human ever born emerged a victor from their inception. God produces winners from the beginning whom He loves and desired into existence. Never forget that!
That is so cool, Michael!
Love this, Michael….in every way. Love the confidence of Trey and especially this:
“he chatted amicably with the stomper and waited for the match to begin.”
Love the man Trey is becoming.
We all need these moments of inspiration, especially when the one inspiring us is just being themselves and not aware of the impact they are having.
I admit I wrestled with God many nights, the time I pleaded for answers and all I had was questions. God really never gave me answers, He gave me grace. He understood I could not hear His Answers but He understood, I needed to hear His voice. I am truly grateful for those times.