Posted on 12/07/2008 5:44:36 AM PST by tenger
[Epaphras] is always wrestling in prayer for you... Colossians 4:12a
Paul’s choice of words in Colossians is fitting. Prayer is not easy. Praying consistently for someone is even harder. I think it goes deeper than that. It’s not merely the natural (often supernatural) internal struggle we have about praying for others. Recall the story of Jacob “wrestling with God” in Genesis 32:25-29. God right then and there gave him the name Israel, which means “struggle with God.” In the end, Jacob/Israel got the blessing he so desperately sought. We know that it was an intense struggle but we don’t know the nature of the issues.
To wrestle with God over someone else requires us to know the person well. That takes time and intention. When we get to know that person is when we’re able to intercede on that person’s behalf. And that person may not even know that we are praying that way.
Can you think of someone you are willing to wrestle with God over? I am sure family members come to mind because we normally know them better but they are possibly the toughest BECAUSE we know them better! There is a person or persons out that that need your prayer, and you may very well be the only person praying and pleading on their behalf.
I don’t think anyone can score a takedown on God, let alone a pin.
No arguments there. I think it’s the journey and experience doing it that counts.
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