The following is taken from a book written by David entitled in Hindsight. He is now Senior Pastor at Trinity Church, Leicester.
THE WRESTLING THING
REV DAVID HIND
On Saturday afternoons as a boy I used to watch the ITV Word of Sport wrestling show. Characters like bid Daddy, Giant Haystacks and others grapple, bounce and hurt each other and we all believed (well I did!) that it was for real. Being a spectator of manufactured TV wrestling is one thing, but we rarely anticipate the wrestling matches that life itself draws us into.
In June 2002, Susan and I went on a weekend break to Cambridge. It was to be a romantic, sightseeing, meals out and (in my head), and phenomenal sex sort of weekend. During the Saturday afternoon, whilst we were walking, I developed a chronic back pain that got worse and worse to the point where I could hardly breathe. I was admitted to Allenbrooke’s Hospital and closely examined for a potential punctured lung, heart attack, blood clot or cancer. After a few days, a CT scan and further tests I was released and told that a viral infection had gone through my body. I was troubled by this and felt drawn to read about Jacob wrestling with God.
I realised that I was becoming restless and impatient with my life and, I believe, over these few days I was actually wrestling with God about it. I had to decide whether I would truly trust Him, rely on His timing and believe that He, having made the universe and sustaining it with His love, was able to look after me. I came to a new point of yielding to God and it was hugely beneficial.
Now this is the tough part to write: I’ve told this story, toured around the country with an album containing a song about this moment and used my experience to help others. However, I’ve been in for a couple more rounds of wrestling since. I know God still loves me, is able to open and close doors for me and is not overwhelmed by the task of leading me. I believe again that if I am faithful and obey Him, the will of God will find me.
WHEN YOU WRESTLE WITH GOD YOU WILL DO IT ON YOUR OWN - (GENESIS 32: 22-24)
Real faith has to be personally lived out. For Jacob, the conflict brought to a head the battling and struggling of a lifetime. Jacob’s methods didn’t work and he had to yield, on his own, to the Master’s plan – it’s the same for us.
WHEN YOU WRESTLE WITH GOD YOU WILL IELD YOUR POSSESSIONS – (GENESIS 32: 23,24)
When I preached on this, I stood in the offering basket as a picture of what God wants from me.
Does God require my substance? Yes.
Does He want to be in charge of all my resources? Yes.
However, He wants something more. Jesus wants me!
WHEN YOU WRESTLE WITH GOD YOU HAVE TO PERSEVERE – (GENESIS 32: 24)
David found strength in God and encouraged himself. Nehemiah found out the facts and then re-visioned the people. Jesus wrestled in the night and then prayed, ‘Not my will, but yours be done.’ If you are wrestling, don’t give up, hold on, and there’s a blessing ahead.
WHEN YOU WRESTLE WITH GOD YOU RECEIVE A BLESSING – (GENESIS 32: 25-29)
I love Jacob’s words, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ For Jacob, the blessing this time was not contrived and was untarnished. To break through the desire to have your will and to embrace instead, His will, and walk before the living God dependent on Him, is the essence of real living.
WHEN YOU WRESTLE WITH GOD YOU WALK DIFFERENTLY – (GENESIS 32: 25-31)
Jacob’s fighting turned to dependence and he emerged broken and blessed. His limp was lasting proof of the reality of the struggle. When you wrestle with God, people will know you you have been with Jesus: you will have a different walk, a greater peace, a stronger contentment and a greater desire for Him.
I can’t guarantee it will be over in one round but the struggle is worth it.
