logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2020
6m 6s

Let Yourself Wrestle with God

ASCENSION
About this episode

Have you ever felt like God really wanted you to do something, but you just weren’t ready for it? Maybe it’s a big life change, a relationship, or a vocation, but there’s something holding you back from saying yes to God’s call.

People may be inclined to think that this is a bad thing, and might put themselves down, saying they aren’t open to God’s will in their lives. But what if this back-and-forth with God is the one thing we need to really say yes?

When we wrestle with God, we’re not only engaging in relationship with him, but we’re being truly honest with him. He desires conversation with us, and it’s in wrestling with what God wants for our lives that we conform our hearts to his.

We may think we know God’s vocation for us, or his plan for our life, and that may scare us. But the truth is, we will never really be sure what God wants us to do until he really shows us. We can project sometimes. Right now, all he wants us to do is be his: to dedicate ourselves and our lives to him and his works, and to live every day as an opportunity to reach holiness.

Don’t pick a fight with God, thinking we know what he may want us to do someday. But don’t be afraid to wrestle with him today, because it can give us the strength and understanding needed to do his will.

Support The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Up next
Nov 20
Maybe I Should Have Said Something…
When you miss an opportunity to share the faith, what's the next step? Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the question, "When should I say something?" We'll never have every answer, but if we take everything to the Lord, He will show us the way. 
6m 22s
Nov 13
Addressing the FAKE Videos of Me (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
There have been numerous fake videos of Fr. Mike circulating online: clips of him supposedly asking for money for Lourdes, delivering sermons he never gave, and appearing on accounts that aren’t actually his. These are all scams — and a concerning reminder of how easy it is to be ... Show More
9m 11s
Nov 6
Sin, Emotions and Virtue Explained (w/ Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Can your feelings be sinful? Fr. Mike Schmitz reminds us that "sin and virtue do not reside in the emotions, they reside in the will." Our emotions, whether positive or negative, don’t make us good or bad; what matters is how we respond to them. Use your emotions to choose and pu ... Show More
7 m
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2017
God's Got This - Joel Osteen
<p>We all have things that come against us and experience things we don’t understand. It’s easy to live uptight wondering how everything is going to work out. It we’re not careful, we’ll get discouraged, live worried, and not believe things are going to change. But there’s a simp ... Show More
31m 26s
May 2017
It's All Good - Joel Osteen
<p>Are you going through a difficulty today and wondering if God is there? Life is full of things we don’t like or understand. But God won’t allow a difficulty unless He’s going to somehow use it for our good. In this encouraging message, Joel is going to show you how to trust Go ... Show More
31m 50s
Feb 2023
God is Already at Work
<p dir="ltr">If we are going to be used by God, we must first acknowledge that he is already at work all around us, and that his work isn’t contingent upon us. This is not something we’re starting up. The weight is not on our shoulders—the pressure is off. I hope today you’re fre ... Show More
8 m
Feb 2023
God Wants to Use You
<p dir="ltr">In response to God’s work in our hearts, we are called to share the wonders of his invisible nature with a world in desperate need of him. God has chosen to use us to reveal himself. He’s filled us with the Spirit and empowered us to proclaim the good news of salvati ... Show More
8m 22s
Feb 2024
Keeping Strife Out Of Your Life | Joel Osteen
<p>If we’re going to keep strife out of our lives, we have to learn to give people the benefit of the doubt. When you do your part to keep the peace, God will make sure you never miss out on the blessings He has for you. </p><p>Your best days are still ahead, and together we can ... Show More
29m 50s
Nov 2023
Living Joyful | Joel Osteen
<p>If we’re not careful, it’s easy to let the pressures of life weigh us down. But God didn't create us to live weary and stressed out. When you choose to keep a joyful heart despite your circumstances, God will fill you with the strength you need. </p><p>Your best days are still ... Show More
28m 56s
Feb 2024
Don't Fight It | Joel Osteen
<p>When we face difficult situations, our natural response is to pray them away. But nothing is a surprise to God. In due season, He’s going to remove the difficulty and use it to prepare you for the amazing future He has in store.</p><p>Your best days are still ahead, and togeth ... Show More
29m 54s
Feb 2024
Be Fully Persuaded | Joel Osteen
<p>When you’re fully persuaded, you’re confident that God is going to do exactly what He promised. Choose to dwell on thoughts of victory instead of doubt. Even when the odds are against you, make up your mind to believe that God can do the impossible.</p><p>Your best days are st ... Show More
30m 15s
Nov 2023
Keep The Faith | Joel Osteen
<p>The enemy is not fighting you for where you are, He’s fighting you for where you’re going. God’s calling is still on your life. His purpose is still waiting for you.</p><p>Your best days are still ahead, and together we can make a difference in this world with the message of G ... Show More
28m 22s