“One final thought in introducing this subject of warfare: It is important to know that in our wrestling we are not to wrestle with God.
I don’t know about you, but the very thought terrifies me!
The verses most often used to teach that we should are from Genesis 32:22-32 where Jacob wrestled all night with the angel of the Lord.
Many a dynamic message has been preached using the words of Jacob as an example for what we should do in prayer: ‘I won’t let you go until you bless me’ (see v. 26). I’ve done it myself.
However, Scripture does not present this wrestling match as an example of how we are to pray.
The reason it lasted so long is (1) God allowed it—the angel could have flipped Jacob into orbit had he wanted to.
He once sent one angel to destroy an army (see 2 Chron. 32:21).
(2) God and Jacob were after different things. Jacob wanted protection from Esau; God desired a nature change in Jacob.
The only way to win a wrestling match with God is to lose.
If you win, you lose; if you lose, you win. The only way to find our lives is to lose them (see Matt. 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-25).
Jacob lost Jacob and found Israel. Such sweet defeat!
Persistence in prayer is necessary, but it is not to overcome God’s reluctance.
This is vital to know and remember. It is impossible to ask in faith, which is a requirement, if a person does not believe it is God’s will to do what he or she is asking.
Why then, is persistence necessary? That is for another chapter. He who persists will find it!
The purpose of this chapter, however, is to say: There is a warfare or wrestling necessary at times in our intercession. Paga includes the concept and the Scriptures teach it.
We must do it with balance and understanding, but we must do it! To ignore Satan is to abdicate to Satan.”
Prayer Note #66- taken from Dutch Sheets’ book, Intercessory Prayer (154- 156)
The next Prayer Note: Aug. 28th – Pealing off the Veils: Prayer Note #67
Tomorrow’s post: My Inheritance by Barbara Durnil
Today's treasure truth #33: If you are "born again", you are casting down vain imaginations. 2 Cor. 10:4,5
Our thought for today: If you're available to God, you can do amazing things!
"Our God has fashioned earth and shy,
Sun, moon, and stars beyond compare;
His workmanship we can't deny--
His fingerprints are everywhere. --Seals
All creation is an outstretched finger
pointing toward God."
OUR DAILY BREAD
Aug. 22/ 12
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