Walking with a Limp (1)

In January 2026, our church’s theme was “A God of Turnarounds.” 

This was to remind us that turning around from the farthest plot to the nearest spot is impossible. But not with God.     

Our Pastor’s message narrated a graphic example: Jacob.  He was deceitful, manipulative, self-reliant, covetous, and scheming. In today’s language: badass. But during his 20-year exile in his uncle (later, father-in-law) Laban’s territory in Haran, he became the victim of every bad thing he ever did and was. 

Guided by God’s command, Jacob fled Haran to return to Canaan to reconcile with his brother Esau and build an altar at Bethel. 

On the way back to Canaan (Genesis 32), while Jacob was alone, an angel (God) initiated a raw, hand-to-hand fight with him. While God could have easily overcome Jacob, He allowed the struggle to continue, forcing Jacob to exert all his strength. Finally, to end the stalemate, the angel touched the socket of Jacob’s hip, dislocating the joint. 

This supernatural act demonstrates that God only needed to lightly touch the strongest part of Jacob’s body to break his strength and self-reliance. Crippled and in pain, Jacob stops fighting and desperately clings to his opponent. He  cries out, "I will not let you go unless you bless me". 

Total turnaround. 

From a cunning badass, to a broken seeker of God. The mysterious figure blesses him and renames him "Israel" (one who struggles with God). Jacob’ limp for the rest of his life is a permanent reminder of his total dependence on God. He would always walk in humility rather than arrogance. 

At this point in the riveting story of Jacob, Pastor Marvin called one of the members of our youth group, Ryan, to the pulpit. 

And Ryan shared a testimony that made us listen, sitting tight.   

Before I knew Jesus, my life was going in the wrong direction. I loved to drink, and I was often intoxicated. Over time, it became more than just a habit—it became my escape. I had no real faith, no clear purpose, and no peace. On the outside, I might have looked okay, but inside I felt empty and lost. 

 

In 2024, my life reached a breaking point. I was in the middle of a drinking session when I received the news that my father had suffered a stroke. I rushed him to the nearest hospital, and while we were in the emergency room, the doctor kept delivering bad news after bad news. Each update felt heavier than the last.    

(to be continued)