Persistent Prayer Series: Part I When we think about wrestling, we often think about such activities as the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Or friends horse playing around to outdo one another. Rarely do we give consideration or allude to wrestling concerning our emotions. Or even us as an individual, wrestling with God. The mere thought of getting into a battle or a wrestling match with God is absurd. Nevertheless, this is exactly what some of us need to do. Let me first explain where I am going with this by sharing a Biblical account and then try to tie that back in with my main point about persisting in prayer. Persistence for the victoryWhen we read Genesis chapter 32, verses 22 and 32, we see a lot of important events taking place with Jacob. Let’s look at these verses and then get into our discussion. Genesis 32:22-32 reads
We see in verse 24 that Jacob engaged in a wrestling match with a man (v.24). During the battle, this man touched Jacob’s hip socket and it caused Jacob’s socket to temporarily dislocate itself (v.25). And yet, Jacob still refused to let him go. Why? Because Jacob wanted this man to bless him (v.26). So in v.28, finally, after they have wrestled all night. Just before daybreak, the man asked Jacob what is his name. It was at this point that Jacob’s name was changed from Jacob to Israel – because Israel (Jacob) fought or struggled against God, and won (prevailed) (v.28). Imagine that! A mere man won a battle, a struggle against God’s authorized representative. Resulting in the man blessing Israel (v.29). And from that very day, Israel walked with a limp because the angel had dislocated Israel’s hip socket during their struggle (vv.31-32). why the name change from jacob to israel |
Encouraging ScriptureGod's word is for the edification, exhortation, and consolation; for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training so that every Christian is equipped for the work of service, to build up the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:3; 2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 4:12). Archives
September 2022
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