Jacob’s Limp


My aches and pains signed up to meet
Each morning to decide
Which one of them would get to be
The first one by my side
They moan and groan and whimper that
The straight and narrow way
Is getting harder with each step
So why not turn away?

But when I paused to open up
The book that God had given
I saw His promises of life
And the stairway up to Heaven

And read how sweet this pathway is
Our great Good Shepherd walks
For He carries lambs safe in His arms
And gently leads His flocks

And as I slowly limp along  
I hear my Jesus say
That in my weakness is His strength
That will carry me today

So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. 
Genesis 32:30-31 ESV

Jacob’s Limp by Peter Caligiuri
Copyright 2023 © all rights reserved




17 thoughts on “Jacob’s Limp

  1. I had to chuckle, picturing aches and pains jockeying for position! I have my share, but I refuse to be one of those old people who gets asked, “How are you?” and twenty minutes later they’re sorry they asked. I will say I am VERY much looking forward to heaven and getting my new body! 🙂 Meanwhile, a sense of humor comes in handy. Thanks for giving me a laugh – an inspiration – today.

  2. That was wonderful and it’s relatable to me. I’ve been waking up with my back hurting from picking up and putting down a heavy baby. And as I grow older, I know there will be more. But His Grace is enough. With a little ibuprofen too, of course 😁

  3. This is an extremely moving poem, Pastor Pete, as I, along with some of the others, can relate to it (having recently turned 65). Despite the pain that comes with aging, we rejoice in the promise of eternity we have in Jesus!

  4. Relatable to all ages, Pastor Pete. My protesting joints aren’t so much from age but from sports injuries and overuse in the prime of life. There are mornings where I can completely relate to that opening stanza. Years ago when my girls were still littles I reaggravated a damaged disc and was struggling to do everyday tasks. It was then the Lord taught me how to praise him in the pain. That is just what you’ve pointed us to do in this poem- to lean on our Good Shepherd.

    • Thanks for adding to the conversation Beth and I’m glad so many can relate. It seems God has given each of us an individual limp. It both helps us learn to lean on those everlasting arms and to appreciate the help of people He has put in our lives.

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