Thoughts for Life: #37 Jacob's Night of Prayer

Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: Note the various aspects of prevailing in Jacob's night of prayer (Gen. 32:9-31).

His life had not been flawless, yet God had an eternal purpose for him, for which Jacob needed spiritual preparation. The immediate need was to prevail for the safety of his family.

Above all, he needed to be a new, more spiritual Jacob. Jacob became Israel by prevailing with God. Both symbolically and literally he prayed till he prevailed. It is a model of what it means to prevail before God. (#36 You Must Prevail Before God)

1. He was returning at God's command (Gen. 31:3). Prevailing is often required, even when you are asking in God's will.

2. He was returning at God's promise.

3. He pleaded the promise of God. Your prayer takes on a new dimension of faith and power when you claim God's promise.

4. He had proofs of God's presence and approval.Laban testified that God spoke (Gen. 31:24-29). God's angels accompanied Jacob (32:1).

5. Difficulties, obstacles, and delays are no proof of being out of the will of God.Esau came with his private army. Satan's attacks most likely prove you are in God's will.

6. He went instantly to prayer (Gen. 32:9-12). No spiritual victories are won without instant, frequent recourse to God. Jacob reminded God of His command, promises and previous blessings and presented a specific request.

7. He humbled himself.(Gen. 32:10). He called God Elohim (mighty) and Jehovah (Lord), confessing his own unworthiness and his poverty apart from God.

8. He did what he could to help answer his own prayer.

9. He was unable to sleep.When God keeps you awake, He has something to say to you.

10. He committed all into God's merciful hand—wives, servants, children, and possessions.

11. He prayed on alone. (cf. Hos. 12:4). He wrestled literally and symbolically. It was a spiritual struggle. He wept. Note these translations of the verb in Hosea: He pleaded (LB, JB), begged God's favor (NEB), and entreated God for mercy (BV).

12. He refused to let go until God blessed him.He persisted in holy boldness. The more he realized who the Wrestler was, the more determined he was to be blessed by Him. Whatever the cost, he held on, even when he suffered.

13. He quit fighting and began clinging. He insisted only on God's blessing.

14. He got a new name.This change indicated a new nature. He received a new face-to-face understanding of God. His name indicated a new royalty—he became a prince.

15. His power with God preceded his power with men.When he had prevailed before God, he had no problem prevailing before his brother.

(Google image and my emphasis added)

Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana

Mighty Prevailing Prayer

#37 Jacob's Night of Prayer

by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

(pp. 62-64) Zondervan

Let's pray-

Father, when we realize that our praying will effect what happens, may we begin to do it more seriously.

Melt our hearts to be conformed to what is on Your Heart for our situations and concerns.

Following Jacob's prayer night as our example, help us get to the point and seriously spend time with You, and to be in tune with Your will.

May we commit it all to You and to what is the best to have happen, even though it may not be what we want. Your will, timing and way we know will be best.

I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse-

(Jer. 10:23) "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."

Today’s quote-

"I began to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other books, and praying over, if possible, every line and word. This proved meat indeed and drink indeed to my soul. I daily received fresh life, light and power from above." George Whitefield

Our thought today-

A casual relationship with the Bible will not be of much benefit. We need to be able to refer to it to guide us in our daily living. As all Scripture is breathed by God, we're to live by its every word. (Matt. 4:4)

Our question today-

How did Jesus use the Father's Word? (Matt. 4:1-11) Shouldn't we follow His example?

Upcoming posts-

#38 The Dynamics of Prevailing Prayer
28th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

Worship: Pure and Simple
30th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

When You Pray...
5/1- Sunday evening's post by Jean Oathout

#39 The Dynamics of Desire

3rd- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

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