The Olympic games of 2024 are finished. All the years, months, days and hours, devoted to a particular sport have paid off with the awarding of gold, silver and bronze medals. To be honest, I did not tune in this year. I was glad to hear that the US did so well in many categories. The Olympics always creates images of the original games that were played back in the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Wrestling was a big thing then and still is. It seems that the idea of putting someone in a position of submission has been going on for a very long time.
The Bible refers to a wrestling match that occurred between Jacob and God in Genesis 32:24-29. God appeared to Jacob in the form of a man and invited Jacob to wrestle with Him. The struggle continued all night, but in the end, God was the victor. The wrestling was an opportunity for Jacob to submit to God’s will for his life, so even though he was defeated, he was a winner. By sustaining the injury to his hip, Jacob would always remember what it was like to wrestle with God. What he gleaned from this encounter was that his earthly struggles would be painful at times, just as we will face difficult situations throughout our journey.
Our wrestling matches with God will go on. They are daily battles. We may never quite understand the reason for those tests, but we can be sure that when we submit to God and His will for our lives, we definitely will gain the eternal victory. We’ll carry those battle scars until our death, but while we’re alive we can help others through our own experiences – give hope that a good outcome will occur – encourage them to go on. Our own struggles will benefit someone else as they face theirs.
Jacob would go on as the father of a nation that eventually produced the Savior of the world, Jesus. God’s plan is always best, because through it, we gain eternal victory. The wrestling will go on for a long time too and we may never understand why we have to go through it. When life seems hopeless by our standards, it’s good to know that by submitting to God’s will, we will win the perfect prize.
Dear, God,
As this journey on earth goes forward, give me the strength to face into the perils that occur each. Help me to rely on your strength before trying to figure things out myself. You alone are my guide, my protection, my companion and forever friend. I look to you today and every day and will remain still as you put your plans in place. I know they are always for our good. Amen.
atimetoshare.me 
Look at the logo again. Doesn’t it look like a woman?
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Not sure I see it.
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The well quaffed hair? The lips underneath? I was going to suggest a Drag Queen after this year’s open and closing ceremonies. Lol
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Oh now I see it. I guess all this gender acceptance reaches all over the globe.
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Yes, I see it…wonder why they chose that logo?
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Your writing always gives wisdom, Mama K. I love how you parallel the Paris Olympics with Jacob’s wrestling with God. May we all submit to him. Beautiful prayer! Amen! I’m home safe and have prayed for you. I love you!❤️
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Thank you. Glad you’re safely home. Paul is adjusting to hospice. His brother in law had a second stroke in one year last eeel. Still hospitalized. My brother in law is suffering with Alzheimer’s and will probably go into memory care soon. Life in our family is never dull.
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I just prayed for all of you, Mama K. Including both brother-in-laws. ❤️🙏🏻
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Thank you. I pray for you each day too.
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Thank you, Mama K! It’s my blessing ❤️🙏🏻
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I was glad that we did not lose in the Gold Medal count to China. I am very glad that many athletes were bold in giving the credit to Jesus. But the world has caught up with the United States. Other than basketball, which the US won men and women – barely, it was a struggle. Then the women’s 4×400 was a wonderful blowout. But while Jacob walked away from his wrestling match with God, he was limping. Yet, we each wrestle with God in one way or another. Thank you for a wonderful reflection.
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Thank you Kathy for sharing this testament from Jacob’s wrestling with the Almighty. Our own humbleness is sometimes pushed aside when we decide to pursue an objective without God’s guidance. Invariably, His stamina brings us back to His fold.
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