The Wrestling Match – Gaining Victory in Daily Life

“He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.”

Genesis 13:3-4

Dear Kids,
I experienced a moment the other day. My brother sent me a short video of my nephew engaged in a high school wrestling match. I clicked the start arrow and was immediately transported back to my high school years – age 18, grasping the bleachers, engrossed in watching my brother wrestle with his powerful opponent. The buzzer blared and the struggle began. Muscles strained and bodies tangled together, each wrestler fighting to pin the other’s shoulders to the ground and secure the win. Much to my surprise tears filled my eyes as I watched the scuffle. Something about it reminded me of life.

The Wrestling Match to Gain Victory in Daily Life

So often our experiences feel like a wrestling match. Our opponent strategizes to trip us and knock us on our back. Difficult circumstances gain the upper hand when we become tired and discouraged. Negative thoughts tie us down so we lose the right perspective. Emotions strangle our ability to make appropriate decisions. And all the while we strain and struggle to attain victory in daily life.

Abram’s Wrestling Match of Faith

Abram found himself in one of these situations. God had called him to leave his homeland promising to guide him to a new country. He started out in faith, but then the wrestling match began. A famine ensued and instead of following God’s plan, Abram decided to employ his own strategy. He took his family to Egypt where the struggle intensified. Pharaoh noticed Sarai, and inquired about her. At her husband’s request, Sarai lied, saying she was Abram’s sister, so Pharaoh took her into his harem.

But just when it seemed like the match was lost God stepped in. He struck Pharaoh with a plague and Pharaoh, discovering the truth about Sarai’s identity, confronted Abram and sent him away. Realizing his narrow escape, Abram returned to the place where he had started – the place of the altar – where he called on the name of the Lord. He was now prepared to start another round of faith.

Victory in Daily Life Through the LORD

Over the years I’ve wrestled through numerous circumstances and difficult decisions. More often than I’d like to admit, I’ve found myself on the bottom struggling to keep my shoulders off the mat. But even when I’ve made a wrong move, God is gracious; He allows His children to go another round. With each period we gain more wisdom and strength. Victory comes when, like Abram, we return to the foundation of our faith and call upon the name of the Lord.

My nephew and his opponent wrestled for three periods. I must admit I was relieved when he won. Life really is a wrestling match, but praise God, we are not alone in the struggle. When we call upon the name of the LORD, we don’t have to fear the final outcome. With God on our side no situation can defeat us. When the final buzzer sounds, we will stand, hand raised high, rejoicing in the win!

Love,

Mama

Read Genesis 12-13:4 for more about Abram’s struggle.

More Posts on Victory:

Faith – The Key to Victory

Help Fighting Every Day Battles

Victory Prediction