God-Wrestler

Life can be a mess at times. And even with acknowledging some of the joy and beauty, we are nevertheless in a situation in which we must make sense of life and the world around us in the midst of real pain and suffering while also addressing the question of God and our faith in Him (or lack thereof). For Michael Fessler, the answer to how we approach life, faith, and the mystery of God is not necessarily found in pursuits of deep philosophical thought or scientific inquiry but by engaging in a personal wrestling match with God. In utilizing the biblical story of “Jacob wrestling with God” as a foundational story, Michael suggests that it has been God’s desire from the very beginning for us to embrace the identity of a wrestler with Him; and, within the struggle, not only discover the reality of who He is but ultimately who we are individually and our purpose in life. In a somewhat memoir-like fashion, God-Wrestler takes you on a journey throughout Michael’s life in and outside the sport of wrestling as he experiences his wrestling match with God and the unfolding of his own story filled with both tragedy and triumph. 

Through Michael's transparency and captivating personal stories of wrestling through life he shows us how to "step on the mat", meet our opponent, and experience true victory in this life and beyond.

- Tim Johnson, ESPN & Big Ten Network broadcaster, former VP of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), & member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

God-Wrestler will take you through a great, but not easy, journey to wrestle with yourself and God. 

- Jim Gruenwald, 2X Olympian, head wrestling coach at Wheaton College, & author of Not All Roads Lead to Gold

Michael Fessler is a writer, speaker, and author of the popular book Faith and Wrestling. He currently resides in Minnesota with his wife and children. He has a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies (Bethel University), and an MA in Communications (Concordia University-St. Paul). For updates on Michael Fessler, follow him on Facebook (@faithandwrestling). He is also a national speaker for the “United States Wrestling Foundation (USWF).”