"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.' But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.'"— Genesis 32:24-29
I admit to a guilty pleasure of having my daughter "beg" every now and then. I just love seeing those puppy eyes, being showered with kisses and getting squished in big hugs before opening a pack of chips or helping reach a toy on the top shelf.
I believe that our Heavenly Father is the same way. He'll have us "wrestle" with Him just as Jacob wrestled with God (or with His angel). Wrestling with God has to do with our faithful persistence. It has to do with being like children knowing that daddy is going to get me what I need, but He just wants me to really show him how much I trust him before I get what I need. No, God's not going to starve or kill us over wrestling, but He does want to see us put up a fight.
Not Everything Has to Be 'Yes' and 'Amen'
Christians can sometimes be thought to believe that everything we say to God should be high praises, even when deep down we have questions and feelings that say otherwise. God wants to hear your deepest hurts and pains, too. While constant complaining is rather unhealthy, withholding it consistently is, too.
I love reading what David often had to say in the form of psalms, like when he honestly wrote, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest." (Psalm 22:1-2)
I'm not condoning complaining and questioning God, but there is a value to persistently coming clean before God and holding on steadfastly to His promises even when they seem far from happening.
Blessing Comes With Persistence
Jesus shared in Luke 18:1-8 the parable of the persistent widow, teaching us about the power in fervently coming to Him in petition. Just as the widow persistently asked for justice to be served from the unrighteous judge, He calls us to persist and persevere in petition before Him as well.
And the best part is God is nothing like an unrighteous judge. He is in fact the most righteous judge we will ever know and also the most gracious one, always ready and willing to bring blessing and favour but also eager to witness our fervent faith and devotion to Him as well.
