Day189 - Would you wrestle God?

Biblical stories fascinate me.  I find some of things the characters did were just a bit crazy.  They did things, I know being honest, I would not do or I would have to do a lot of thinking before I did.

Take the story our pastor preached today, Jacob and his encounters with The Lord.  I understand his passion in wrestling God was for his betterment but when I imagine the scene I cringe.  Think of it.  As I heard Jesse Duplantis say one time, "He was manhandling Jehovah, the Almighty, the King of the universe."  Gotta have some intense desire, but Jacob did of course.  Jacob like David had a passion to get approval and blessing from The Lord.  Thus the irratic behavior, the intensity, the throw all caution to the wind.  The result, God touched them both in mighty ways.

So I was thinking.  We have to be sold out, hungering, in passionate pursuit of God to get the ultimate touch we crave.  But are we craving?  Are we just going through our lives and not really that moved to be radically changed.  I must admit I can name only a few people in my life circle who are in a passionate race to touch the hem of His garment and not be satisfied until they have been permanently changed.

Lord, why is our pursuit so shallow?  What are we afraid of?  Help us all to want more, run the race expecting The Lord at all times in our lives.  May we find our burning bush or ladder to heaven.  Amen

As I sat by the fire I thought about all the people back home.  Going on this mountain journey is a lonely adventure but has been worth more than gold in the precious treasure healing has brought to me.  I think of that very healing in my soul and then I hear it, moans, sobs and I look to find the source.  I can't see anyone but I hear them clearly. Lots of different voices, all crying. I ask The Lord, "What, where, Lord help me find who is hurting?"

I close my eyes and in my spirit I hear the crying, louder still.  I feel an emotional pain.  I pray and soon feel The Lord impressing me to pray for all those who are hurting and feel they don't have the strength to lift a prayer, they are scared, they are uncertain, lost hope, and could easily give up.

I do.  I get on my knees and pray for the healing of The Lord to flood the spirit of the infirmed.  I sing praises to give them hope and restore joy.  I am determined to stay on my knees and "wrestle" The Lord here until I feel a release for the oppressed, sick, and dying.  I will use all that is within me to intercede.  I feel priviledged to stand in the gap.