It is common in worship to request God's presence, but the story of Jacob reminds us that sometimes we may wish like Job to pray that God leaves us alone. By comparing Jacob's awe of God's presence on that starry night in Bethel with his terror as he fought for his life by the Jabbok river, might we discover something important about the journey of faith when the Spirit leads us into what seems like even more troubled waters? God promises to bless us like he did Jacob, but what sort of blessing is he promising us and how are we to make use of it when at times it might feel more like a curse? Paradox Church was founded in 2016 in Redlands, CA. We are currently in a three-year series through the Liturgical Calendar and the Lectionary that will end in 2025. We are affirming for all LGBTQIA persons, we celebrate and empower women, and we prioritize the sacred work of anti-racism. If you'd like to know more about our church, please visit our website at www.paradoxredlands.com