Wrestling with God in Our Decisions

Wrestling with God in Our Decisions

I often find myself wrestling with God.  Is it stubbornness?  An unwillingness to yield?  

Wrestling places me in a vulnerable position.  It is up close and personal.  But I’ve come to see that this sacred struggle is also a form of intimacy.  It’s a God-ordained space where God meets me–not with condemnation, but with grace. Wrestling with God in Our Decisions is not just allowed; it’s welcomed!

Standing in My Corner

Here I am again.  I’m taking my position on the wrestling mat.  I’m standing in my corner; my heart racing. Do I want to make contact? 

Honestly, it’s easier to keep my distance.  Easier to not engage with my Lord—especially when my way of thinking seems so reasonable.  I want to be right.  Therefore, do I really want to hear what God has to say?

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  Proverbs 16:9

Locking Arms on the Wrestling Mat

Still, I step forward.  I decide to engage.  Why come to the mat if not to lock arms?  

I’m here because I want God’s perspective–whether I like it or not.  I want His wisdom, not just His stamp of approval on my own ideas.

Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches. But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord…Jeremiah 9: 23–24a

Moving from “No” to Shalom

Bible teacher, Kristi McLelland, shares how she initially said “No” to a proposed Bible Study project in Israel.  But in her wrestling, God sat with her patiently– listening, waiting, and inviting.

In the following YouTube video, Kristi unpacks her decision-making process and God’s gentle persistence. https://youtu.be/cdri96fNUyU?si=2MxPLTm7UHNIiODq

God changed Kristi’s heart, and He can change ours as well.  He takes our emphatic “No” and lovingly guides us toward submission, surrender, and ultimately– shalom. 

Wrestling with God in My Decisions

Back on the wrestling mat, my exertion is real—heart pounding, sweat dripping, and tears flowing.  But ultimately this raw interaction with God leads to something deeper:  peace, understanding, and a genuine relationship.  

Wrestling with God is not a sign of weakness.  On the contrary, it’s a desire to draw near.  And in the end, it’s so worth it!

Prayer

Oh Lord, how I need You as I face decisions in life.  I want my thoughts and desires to align with Yours.  Show me Your truth.  Thank You for the open invitation to join You on the wrestling mat.  Amen.

Questions to Consider:

1. How do you make big decisions in life?  Who do you turn to for advice?
2. Have you ever wrestled with God?  About what?
3. Has God ever changed your heart about a decision?  Share what happened.