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 already 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 Isaac, conspiring with his mother, scheming and struggling. Even, when Jacob got what he thought he wanted, the firstborn blessing, Jacob’s struggles continued as he was forced to leave home because he was fearful of what Esau might do to him (Genesis 27:44).
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 sons 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 to keep his little household together, as evidenced by his wife Rachel stealing from Laban, without Jacob’s knowledge (Genesis 31:19).
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 seemed that there was no way to avoid an encounter with Esau because to get where he needed to go, Jacob had to first deal with Esau.
However, just when we think we know all about this fearful, struggling Jacob, we come to Genesis 32:24, 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 cling to GOD with all your strength and all your might, you will find that GOD will “cling” to you. Wrestling also involves grappling. Often, we have to grapple with the WORD of GOD. In fact, GOD wants to us “wrestle,” “grapple” and “struggle” with the WORD---to have a close encounter---so we deepen our understanding of HIM and HIS WORD.
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. Jacob named the place where he wrestled “Peniel” (“The Face of GOD”).
KEEP MOVING
It is ironic that many people with arthritis pain and stiffness often avoid exercise and moving because many experts believe that exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. According to a Mayo Clinic article, “Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness,” exercise can:
- Strengthen the muscles around your joints
- Help you maintain bone strength
- Give you more energy to get through the day
- Make it easier to get a good night's sleep
- Help you control your weight
- Enhance your quality of life
Id. According to this Mayo Clinic article, although some believe that exercise will aggravate their condition, lack of exercise may actually make an arthritic condition worse. As always, it is best to check with your personal physician if you have concerns, start an exercise program or want to determine what exercise program would be right for you and your condition.
According to the article, you don’t have to run a marathon or become an Olympic swimmer. No one expects that. In fact, the article recommends low-impact, mild to moderate exercise, beginning with strength-building exercises, going slowly, moving gently, and in general, not overdoing it. According to the article if you have rheumatoid arthritis, check with your doctor to ask your doctor whether or not you should work out during local or general arthritic flare-ups.
Any movement may be helpful with arthritis. For example, walking, raking leaves, mowing the lawn, sweeping, gardening, morning stretching, bending the fingers in and out, squeezing a stress ball, rolling the shoulders, spreading the fingers wide on a table, lifting the arms, moving the forearms arms in and out, or the elbows in and out, etc. The Arthritis Foundation, also has exercise videos, articles, resources and other information on their website including a directory of local offices. The Foundation conducts exercise programs for people with arthritis in many parts of the U.S. See, https://www.arthritis.org/local-offices/ and https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/. Again, speak with your physician about other resources and information.
OUT OF JOINT or STRUGGLING?
Feeling “out of joint” or struggling. It can happen to anyone. It does happen, to various degrees, to everyone.
Whatever we are struggling with, it is important to remember, we are not alone. GOD is with us. GOD is our Emmanuel (meaning “GOD with us”). If you’re struggling and grappling, GOD knows.
Speak to someone, if you need help. Again, speak with your physician or ask for a referral to someone who may help you deal with your particular situation. Also, many leaders of faith have been trained to help to answer questions you may have.
If you are looking for other grapplers, other life-issue “wrestlers,” many places of worship also have study groups, prayer groups, fellowships, children and teen activities groups and programs, young adult groups, eagerly seeking new members.
Have faith, keep moving, and BE BLESSED!
