Genesis 32:24 So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until 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 until you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel….” [New International translation]
Biblical Comment
If anyone knew what it was like to struggle, Jacob did. Even before birth, his mother Rebekah, could feel her twin sons Jacob and Esau struggling within her womb. (Genesis 25:22) At birth Jacob was still jockeying for position in life-- trying to get ahead, trying to position himself for wealth and authority, grasping at his brother Esau’s heel. (Genesis 25:26). Jacob’s, individual struggles, turned into family struggles, as he pushed and cajoled his way through life, deceiving his father Abraham, conspiring with his mother, scheming and struggling. Even, when Jacob got what he thought he wanted, the first born blessing, Jacob’s struggles continued as he was forced to leave home because he was fearful of what Esau might do to him.
Jacob’s struggles continued at Laban’s house. There Jacob experienced first-hand what it was like to be tricked and cheated by another family member, Laban, his father-in-law. Jacob struggled with dealing with other people’s attitude toward him, when Laban’s son’s grumbled that Jacob was taking what was theirs and Laban looked at Jacob suspiciously (Genesis 31:1-2). Jacob’s struggles continued when once again he had to pack up and leave Laban’s house. Jacob even struggled keeping his little household together, as evidenced by his wife Rachel stealing from Laban, without Jacob’s knowledge.
Jacob constantly struggled with his own fears. Jacob was fearful Laban might take his wives away. (Genesis31:31). Jacob was especially fearful of his brother Esau. And to make matters worse, it seems that there seemed no way to avoid an encounter with Esau, because to get where he needed to go, Jacob had to first deal with Esau.
But, just when we think we know all about this fearful, struggling Jacob, we come to Genesis 32:34, what some would call Jacob’s encounter with GOD. This story and the verses of this scripture are worth reading again and again. A few things stand out:
First: Jacob thought he was alone, but he was not, GOD was there;
Second: Unlike many other “sports” and “activities” wrestling involves strength and hanging on. In other words, when you fling to GOD with all your strength and all your might, you will find that GOD will “fling” to you. In fact, GOD wants to “wrestle,” to have a close encounter.
Third: Even though GOD was with Jacob, there were still periods, as when Jacob’s hip was “out of joint,” when things didn’t look or feel good. Nevertheless, Jacob clung to GOD and GOD clung to Jacob. And, in the end, Jacob was blessed, because JOY comes, “in the morning.” Just have faith, persevere, cling to GOD, and pray for HIS blessings.
MOVE THE HIPS
Keeping moving is important. Some have even coined the expression “move it or lose it.” That is why exercise is so important---even exercising the hips. If you watch athletic competitions you will often see athletes performing hip stretches or other hip exercises in order to build strong hips. Exercises that strengthen the hips tend to increase a person’s flexibility and prevent injury. The hips are the fulcrum point for lower body activity and movement. They allow basketball players to get in a crouch defensive position as they move quickly, guarding an opponent. Good hip rotation is important for a good baseball swing or when a golfer swings a club.
Even when someone has arthritis or osteoarthritis, exercise is important. In “Knee and Hip Exercises for Osteoarthritis,” Gina Shaw notes that years ago people used to treat arthritis with bed rest and immobility; however, today, scientists are of the opinion that for most people, “locking up the joints” or prolonged immobility just makes a person’s condition worse. According to Shaw what happens to many people is that they feel pain and want to move less and then they start to lose the ability to move (which often creates more pain), leading to a vicious cycle. See, “Knee and Hip Exercises for Osteoarthritis, by Gina Shaw, https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/features/oa-knee-hip-exercises#1. Some hip and joint exercises are not for everyone, so if you have a medical condition or have arthritis or osteoarthritis be sure to consult your own physician or a physical therapist to determine what hip exercises are right for you.
Some simple hip exercises include the following:
HIP FLEXOR EXERCISE:
- Kneel on the floor with one knee bent and the other knee behind you (e.g. like you are proposing marriage) ;
- Push your hips forward slowly until you feel a stretch in the upper thigh area of the rear leg;
- Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds then repeat on the other leg;
- Do 2-4 times on each leg.
HIP RAISES
- Lie face-up with your knee bent and your feet flat on the floor;
- Slowly lift your hips up and down about ten times;
Squats and lunges are also great hip exercises. Again, find exercises that suit your medical condition and your exercise tolerance. Consult your physician if you have questions.
OUT OF JOINT or STRUGGLING
Many people feel “out of joint” or are struggling. It can happen to anyone. It does happen, to various degrees, to everyone. It can even happen during the holidays.
Whatever we are struggling with it is important to remember, we are not alone. GOD knows and GOD cares. We just have to “hang on” and remember GOD is hanging onto us too. We are not wrestling alone.
Have faith, keep moving, and BE BLESSED!
