Life doesn't always give us what we think we deserve. When things don't go our way, we sometimes develop coping mechanisms, things we implement to deal with stress or difficult situations. Some coping mechanisms are good and healthy but many are investments in future stress and difficulty. For instance, a healthy coping mechanism would be to pray, recall memorized scripture or contact a close friend. Unhealthy coping mechanisms would include tantrums, finding comfort in alcohol or drug abuse, resorting to violence, withdrawing or employing deception. It's the difference between resting in God or wrestling with God. In Genesis, we meet Jacob, a guy who finds a way to get by on his wit and wisdom. Jacob, the second son of Isaac, not only manages to gain the birthright of the firstborn son, he also swindles his older brother out of the blessing of the firstborn. God had a plan for Jacob and placed a strong calling on his life, but Jacob chose to carve his own path through life, ignoring God. Jacob spends the early part of his life employing his favorite coping mechanism, outsmarting those around him. Jacob does not realize he is wrestling with God. Jacob was not a God hater nor an atheist. Jacob believed God existed and probably considered himself a follower. Like many today who acknowledge God and consider themself Christian, Jacob mostly ignored God and did things his own way. The key component of faith missing for Jacob was a personal relationship with God. In the early part of Jacob's life we see him referring to God in terms like, "the God of Abraham" or the "God of my fathers", it is not until Jacob has a real encounter with God that he takes ownership of a relationship. Jacob learned to move from wrestling to resting. So often, as a minister, people ask me to pray for them or for a specific situation. Often I get the sense of the unspoken, "can you pray to your God on my behalf?" Though no one has actually expressed it this way, I sense it is an underlying issue for many who do not perceive God as their God. I once told someone who asked for prayer, "I will pray for you if you promise to also pray." The response I received was unexpected, "you mean, actually, like get on my knees and talk to God?" I was totally not expecting such a response. This was a person who acknowledged God and probably if asked, would say they were good with God, yet the idea of actually talking to God was completely foreign. Similarly, I know President Trump exists, I know things about him and also have heard many things about him which may or may not be true. I even follow him on Twitter. None of these things equals a relationship. I would be a fool to claim to know President Trump. Most of what I know, or think I know of him, comes from the press. This, unfortunately, is many people's experience with God. The difference is, Donald Trump has no awareness of my existence and is not the slightest bit interested in me as an individual. I have no ability to engage Donald Trump in a conversation. God, on the other hand, knows me and loves me individually. God allows me the privilege of speaking to Him and hearing from Him and knowing Him. Jacob managed to get by on his own until he couldn't... Jacob's coping mechanisms alienated him from his family and the family of his wives. Jacob found himself isolated and vulnerable because he chose to keep God at arm's length. Only when Jacob realized he was out of tricks did he surrender and call out to God. When all seemed hopeless, Jacob found hope in God, even as he realized he had been fighting against God his whole life. Jacob went from knowing about God to knowing God. From wrestling to resting. God changed Jacob's name to Israel and Israel took possession of his relationship with God. Are you Jacob or Israel? Do you know about God or do you know God? Are you wrestling against God or resting in His Lordship. God wants you to know Him, to have a rich and deep relationship with Him, through His Son Jesus Christ. The only way to know someone is to spend time with them. God gives us prayer, His Word, worship and fellowship with other believers as methods to get to know Him. Would you turn down tea with the Queen of England or dinner with with a King? Of course not, but everyday, we pass up opportunities to spend time with the King of Kings. What is your coping mechanism and how's it working out for you? May I suggest getting to know the One who not only helps you cope but will make you more than an overcomer. God has so much more for us than just getting by. Unless you take the time to know Him, you'll never know how meaningful life can be. Jesus isn't merely dying to spend time with you, He actually did. Get to know the risen Savior and find your special purpose. Stop wrestling and rest. Now, go live as Christ... and give the devil hell!
