Genesis 32:22-32 tells the story of when Jacob wrestled with God. He was alone when a man came and wrestled him until daybreak. The man then touched Jacob’s hip leaving him crippled or rather leaving him with a new walk. With Jacob’s limp came a new name, Israel, as well as the reminder that he was an overcomer. Jacob had to be left alone. He had to endure the struggle for a long time in order to be deemed the overcomer. His experience may have left him with a limp, but that limp made him stand out as a humble overcomer.

There’s a phrase in a song called ‘Fix My Eyes’ by King & Country that says, “The road less traveled is hard to walk.” We’re afraid to walk that hard road because one, it’s hard and, two, we’re afraid we might acquire a limp along the way; however, if we don’t do it, we won’t acquire the strength, the dignity, the confidence, the boldness or the new name that comes with it. Each path we take gives us some kind of new quality or characteristic that could either hinder us, or lift us up.

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” - ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:9‬

I’d rather walk the straight path in secret with my integrity, than walk those crooked paths and be exposed. There is no honor in leading yourself down those dark and confusing roads. There is no light there to guide or protect you.

“An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength!” - ‭‭Nahum‬ ‭2:1‬

When the road you’re on suddenly takes a new form, what defenses do you have? If an attacker comes, will you be ready with a lit lamp, strength and confidence? Or will you cower in the darkness? Will you risk death or prepare to fight and come out with only a limp?

“If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.” - ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭22:4‬

This kind of walk requires you to continue with open eyes and an open heart to help those you find along the way. You must be ready to act in favor of those around you. When you see someone has fallen, watch your step and help them get to their feet. Be humble enough to guide them. And finally...

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” - ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:14‬

Find life. Step one is to know it’s there. Step two is to choose to take it so others might have the chance to find it too.