November 2006

“Ready, Wrestle”

There they were, in the middle of the circle, one kneeling, one on all fours. Even a curious outside observer wouldn?t have mistaken these two for devoutly religious people doing their evening prayers. The red tights, black shoes and black headgear told of another event. They were waiting for the command that would transform the quiet prayer-like setting into a frenzy of action, arms and legs thrown in every direction. Finally the referee shouts the command, "ready wrestle" and the two warriors simultaneously spring into action. This scene was familiar to me as I watched my brothers participate in a sport that they loved.

In the church, the scene also has a familiar ring to it. No, I don't regularly see men in their red tights (that's a good thing) in combat at church and in the community, but this metaphor is common. It is used in scripture to remind us of a struggle going on everyday between the forces of God and the forces of evil. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6, "that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, against rulers of darkness".

Recently, Terry Wardlaw reminded us that our journey of faith is like entering into the promise land. In the journey there is constant wrestling going on. As they cross the river, the Israelites were reminded to live lives in obedience to God and warned them not to become like the Canaanites. It is good for all of us to pray and evaluate our lives and our families and seek God's direction. Most of the time it has to do with everyday issues. Have you looked at the ingredients of your life. Take time and ask these questions and reflect on what God may be saying to you.
How do we spend time?
Do we share with others?
Do we care for our neighbors?
Do we think about what we download in our minds? ---What books do we read,
What movies do we watch, What games do we play, What websites do we visit.
Are we seeking to honor God in all our life?

Take time this month to evaluate the wrestling match in your life. Are you putting into your life those things that strengthen your relationship with God? Are you saying no to activities, and attitudes that tear down that relationship with Him. Whatever your conclusion is, don't stop wrestling. We have the power of God in our life and we are more than conquerors through the power of the Holy Spirit. Let's use God's truth to remind Satan that he has no power over us.

1 John 4:4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Have a great month!
"Ready, Wrestle"

In Christ's Love,
Pastor Craig