Families, wrestling......

"Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome."  (Genesis 32:28)

When we think of families and wrestling we are probably thinking of the times brothers, sisters, cousins - whomever - really got into what ever they were arguing about -- right?  Or, maybe, it is the time the whole family came together because of an outsider.  We can fight among ourselves but then we come together.  In all these scenarios we "overcome" - right?

The readings, today, are about families and wrestling.  The Genesis reading is the story of Jacob becoming Israel because of wrestling "with God and with humans" especially while wrestling with fear. (v. 28)  Peter is reminding all of us God's timing is not our timing.  (2 Peter 3:8) As we wrestle with changes, schedules and families we need to remember Emmanuel - God IS with us.  The Gospel reading, in Mark 1, is telling us about John the Baptist who is also talking about Emmanuel coming and being filled with the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:8)

So.... whatever we are wrestling with, our family or changes happening, we can KNOW God is with us helping and guiding.  In this "microwave" world, however we need to remember God's timing is NOT our timing.   We need to remember God keeps God's promises and keep moving forward.  Something to think about........​​