Wrestling with Jesus

Last updated on: October 5, 2023 at 9:30 am by Faith E. Richardson

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Wrestling with Jesus 2023-08-22T14:15:57-06:00 Faith E. Richardson

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Denali National Park - Denail Mountain

When the mountain peaks seem unattainable, keep your eyes on Jesus. Denali National Park, Alaska Faith Richardson/Photographer.

I dread those days, weeks, and months when I’m trudging so low in the valley that the mountain peaks seem distant and unattainable. They tower over me, mocking my companion, Inadequacy. Shame and Fear are close behind offering no encouragement.

Every time I glance at those mountain peaks, I sink a little further into the valley floor, I’m never going to make it up there—you know, to the place in which God has called me?

Feeling sorry for myself, I handed out invitations to my pity party because no one wants to feel this alone. Guess what? No one showed up, except Shame, Fear, and Inadequacy who started this journey with me.

Then out of nowhere, Jesus elbows me in the ribs, tackles me to the valley floor, and wrestles me as only big brothers do.

Hebrews 13:8

At first, I fight back as hard as I can. Ptf. I can take Him. I roll around like I’m winning, but He’s just allowing me to feel confident—for now. He even lets me pin Him for half a second, but I get distracted by His radiant smile. As the struggle continues, I tire, but He’s an unwavering rock.

Exhaustion yells, “Just give up.” So, I do, and He pins me down in total triumph! As big brothers do, He boasts His win, throws His arms in the air, and struts the victory dance around me. But I’m not ashamed, I am empowered.

God Knows Our Potential

He looks at me like only a big brother can. He admires me like only He can do. He sees in me how precious I am and knows it’s His right to teach me how to reach my potential.

As I stare in His direction. He reaches out a hand and I accept. He lifts me to my feet, and I stand before Him. As a truce, He stretches His arms out wide, and with a smile as bright as the sun He captures my heart all over again.

I fall into His embrace ready to continue my journey. I can’t help but breathe Him in, and in that moment, I wish I could remain here forever. And one day…I will!

But for now, I set my eyes back on those mountain peaks. This time with a photo of my big brother clenched to my chest. His words echo in my heart, “You got this. I’m always with you.” and I take my next step forward.

**Have you ever wrestled with Jesus? I’d love to hear your story. Comment below!

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About Faith E. Richardson

Faith E. Richardson was born in Traverse City, Michigan. She lived there nine short years before moving with her mom to Fort Worth, Texas where she would remain for another eighteen years. After meeting Trent, the love of her life, they married and moved to Colorado where they raised their two children. Currently retired from decades of human resource work, Faith renewed her passion for writing. Her life experiences and dramatic flair for storytelling draw the reader in with thought-provoking material on the wonder and truth of spiritual encounters. It’s her desire to get her readers as excited about the Holy Spirit as she is. You can read more about the author here.

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