Wrestling

Our grandson had his first wrestling meet of the season today, and of course we went to watch. Watching a child or grandchild of yours wrestling must be like watching them do gymnastics or diving. Seated in the audience, I still found myself bending and making the other moves with him. I am amazed at the flexibility, strategy, and strength this sport requires. The athletes train hard, mastering the techniques and building strength to be successful.

We all find ourselves wrestling against fear, worry, discouragement, anger and other negative feelings or habits. We try to make excuses by saying things like, “that’s just how I am.” It may be how we normally act, but it doesn’t define us. The reality is that these negative feelings are generally initiated from outside us. Something goes wrong, so we get angry. Something important is on the horizon, so we worry. We have to do something extraordinary, so we get fearful. These negative feelings are lies that seek to harm us or disable us.

Ephesians 6:10, 12 puts the struggle this way, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” The negative feelings come to us from outside of our control. We cannot fight these battles in our own strength, as our experience demonstrates. We must trust in the mighty power of God to fight the battles for us. The next time these negative feelings or thoughts begin, stop and ask God to fight for you. Over time you will find the victory that you have sought for so long.