Sometimes life's a struggle.

It is funny how little bits of information sometimes grab your attention. I was reading some scripture in Genesis about Jacob becoming Israel.

Genesis 32: 28
Then the man said, "Your name will longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."

The name Israel means "He struggles with God". A nation and the people of God were identified with this name. The modern church is sometimes called the "new Israel", but I wonder if this name is something we really want to aspire to. Do we really want struggle with God? Is this what Christ died for?

I believe that Christ died to restore us to the freedom of the "Garden of Eden". To walk with God the Father, not to struggle with Him. However so many of us spend our time struggling with God and what He is doing, rather than learning to enjoy Him.

I, for one, have had enough of the struggle, I choose to spend time with my Father whenever I can. I am learning to identify the presence of God and then take the time to enjoy Him. For me, it can be as simple as walking in my own garden and marvelling at HIS creation.
 
Life has it's own struggles - it doesn't seem much point in struggling with God as well!