Some people are wrestlers by nature and others are not. I, like most people, fall into the second category and can tell you that every move I have learnt has taken great effort and practice in order to be able to exercise. Now before you go thinking that what I speak of are body slams and headlocks let me clarify that what I am referring to is a different type of wrestling; one you may or may not have heard of. Let me explain…
Just this week, I read an article whose title called my attention immediately because it reminded me of my youngest daughter.
“Defiant children destined to succeed, according to a 40 year study”
Now, although defiant is not the word I would use to describe my strong-willed little ladybug, Rain, she definitely has more fight in her than your average 8 year old. I read the article and it confirmed what I already knew, that people with such independence and determination are lined up for success because of their refusal to quit; what I call natural born wrestlers.
You may be familiar with the type. The one that isn’t afraid to demand and fight for their rights. I myself have never been one to grumble much, but I have observed time and time again how
The squeaky wheel gets the oil
As a competitive sport, wrestling dates back to the ancient Greeks but in reality, it has been around for much longer than that.
The first recorded wrestler is a man you perhaps have heard of by the name of Jacob. Now although not your traditional wrestler, Jacob had been wrestling since the day he was born. He came into the world displaying what would be his character by holding on to the heel of his twin brother. And we can see this same character throughout the transcript of his life.
Yet, his greatest and most notable wrestling match is told in Genesis 32:22-31 where he struggles with the angel of G-d.
Jacob was in need of the blessing of G-d and he refused to let the angel go until he blessed him.
The story goes on to tell us that after wrestling all night and right before daybreak the angel blessed Jacob.
If you’re like me, then maybe you’ve read this story before and wondered how Jacob could hold back the angel of G-d. Was it with his human strength? I submit to you that what bound the angel and caused him to release the blessing wasn’t Jacob’s strength but rather Jacob’s faith.
A faith so strong that it refused to let go until that which it longed for had been satisfied.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much
Persevering, relentless, squeaky, importunate kind of faith. The type that can be confused as defiant and can even seem violent at times.
…the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force – Matthew 11:12
I’m not sure about you, but this is the type of wrestler I want to be. One who refuses to give up and understands that the blessing is attached to the struggle.
Don’t give up on your blessing today…get into a struggle and pray it into existence!
Hey Rosie,
I love that picture of Jacob wrestling with God. It gives me hope for stubborn ones like me!
I like the way you’ve framed it as well. This quote is good, “Persevering, relentless, squeaky, importunate kind of faith. The type that can be confused as defiant and can even seem violent at times.”
Prayer can seem like a battle sometimes! I want to keep on fighting!
Found your post today on Social Butterfly.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
Thank you Melanie, I am glad you liked the post. Yes!, There is hope for the stubborn ones, LOL. Its always a battle, but we have to remind ourselves that the blessing follows the battle 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Oh, and I also followed you on social media and shared your post!
Blessings,
Melanie
I appreciate the follow Melanie 🙂 …and thank you for spreading the love!
Rosie, such a great post – thank you so much for this today – I love your line at the end – I too want to be one who refuses to give up and understands the blessings is attached to the struggle. So good, and something we can often lose sight of. thanks for linking up at #LiteraryMusingMonday
Hi Debbie, thank you for your comment. I am glad you liked the post. Yes we must always remember that the blessing is attached to the struggle!
I’m glad I found your blog on Literacy Musing Mondays. What a blessings to be reminded that struggling for godliness is so worth it! Blessings on you and yours.
Welcome Beckie! Yes the struggle has a blessing at the end! 🙂
Well said Rosie! I was just speaking with my mother today at lunch about the struggle and how must not give up. I wrestle with the size of my faith each day but since God is the substance of my faith, I ALWAYS have a chance. Today in fact, I just received news from surgeon that in spite of some residual difficulties from the stroke, no emergency surgery is needed. With God’s help, I can continue progressing in my stroke recovery. I just shouted out…THANK YOU JESUS! as I reached the parking lot. Oh what an awesome God we serve! Blessings to you and yours!
Wow Horace! That is an amazing testimony. You are right, we must never give up. No matter what, hope should be what we stand on. I rejoice along with you in what G-d has done and will continue to do in your life. 🙂
Wonderful thoughts! I have a wrestler in my family too 🙂 I have often said to others, if we learn to properly channel their stubbornness, we help them to become determined to fulfill God’s plan for their lives. I very much enjoyed this post!
Joanne, thank you for sharing. Yes, its all about channeling that stubbornness in the right direction. Determination is key!
She is such a cutie pie! I know what you go through though because my youngest is the same way. He will fight tooth and nail to get his way, so he is definitely what you called a wrestler. I do see the strength in this also as you have seen in your daughter. I’m so glad you stopped by to share with #SocialButterflySunday last week. The new link is up for the party this week and I hope you will stop by 🙂
Thank you for the comment and for allowing me to share. Yes, this is strength at its finest!
So lovely to motivate, encourage and inspire others with your faith in tough or struggling times. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me. #sharewithme
Thank you Jenny.
I truly appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thanks again! bafcdeefbadkddke