About

In Genesis 32, there is a story that I think is perhaps the most mysterious and confusing story in Scripture.  Jacob meets God, or an angel of God, or some kind of divine-human hybrid (theologians have differing opinions), and he wrestles with this mystery opponent from evening until day-break.  The strange thing is, he wins.  His opponent says “let me go”, and Jacob says “not unless you bless me”.

God blesses Jacob, but then, as a parting gift, he touches Jacob’s thigh and throws his hip out of joint – the story says Jacob left the place “limping because of his thigh”.  A divine wrestling match, an incomprehensible human victory, a great blessing, and a sacred limp.

Whatever else the story means, I take this away from it: God wants us to grapple with Him, to cling to His sacred Presence and refuse to let go until He blesses us; if we recklessly persevere in that struggle, He will release the blessing.  But the encounter will leave us forever changed.  Limping.  Blessed, but limping.

This blog is about my own experiences of wrestling with God, through listening prayer, healing prayer, spiritual warfare, Catholic spirituality, studying Scripture, working a regular job, making decisions – in short, moments of unspeakable blessing, moments of heart-breaking sorrow, and everything in between.  It is about “real life” lived recklessly, believing that God is going to “show up” on a regular basis.  I expect my life to be blessed beyond what I ever imagined; and I also expect to limp away at the end.

I hope you’re encouraged, I hope you’re challenged, I hope you find comfort in these pages.  But more than that, I hope you’re inspired to wrestle with God too, and I hope you don’t let go until you limp away with His blessing.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)