Power Struck

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.

—Genesis 32:24-25 NRSV

When difficult things happen, we feel upset and shaken. How could a good God allow this? We might begin to doubt. It is better to cling to God while we wrestle than to step away and risk losing connection with Him. Although we may walk away limping like Jacob did, at least we didn't let go.

And in the midst of the struggle, we must remember to ask God for a blessing.

Prayer

I am hanging onto You, Lord, and I won’t let go. Please give me a blessing (Gen. 32:26).

Quote

I would like to make everyone understand the great grace that God, in His mercy, bestows when He sends suffering, especially suffering devoid of consolation. Then indeed the soul is purified like gold in the furnace, without knowing it, it becomes radiant and is set free to take flight to its Good.

//St. Paul of the Cross, (1694-1775), founder of the Passionists

Thought

It is better to limp along with faith than to be able-bodied and in denial of God.

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~ On October 1st and 2nd, I will be a guest on the At Home with Jim and Joy show on EWTN. We will be discussing God's providence in the call to be a caregiver and how humble honest prayer each day can lead to deeper understanding of God's will in our lives.

~ For the caregiver you know: Minding Mom: A Caregiver's Devotional Story

~ Are you a Martha or a Mary? I’m a bit of both! Read my blog piece in the NC Register here: https://www.ncregister.com/blog/i-m-both-martha-and-mary

Thanks for reading Olive Tree blog!