Today’s Key Scripture

“He said, ‘Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.’… So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: ‘For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.’”

— Genesis 32:28, 30

 

Jacob faced a dilemma. He had prayed all night and wrestled with an angel with no results. And remember, his hip was out of joint!

With his brother approaching, accompanied by 400 seasoned warriors, he was in quite a predicament. Although independence and total reliance upon his own abilities had gotten him into the situation, he was now forced to lean upon the arm of the angel. The fact that he couldn’t even walk without assistance symbolized his dependence upon God. This was all in the Lord’s plan so Jacob would not trust in his own strength but be forced to rely on the promises of the Almighty.

When it comes to prayer and knowing God’s will, sometimes it is so easy to give up before you receive the answer. We live in a fast-paced world where it can be easier to fix it yourself, if possible, rather than to pray.

But the Bible is packed full of great examples of men and women who prayed continually until they received their answer from God.

Persistence is a vital ingredient to successful prayer. When you get discouraged or downhearted, keep praying in faith.

The answer is on the way.

Just remember, God controls the timing of that answer.

 

A Prayer for Today

Precious Father, thank You for answers, even when I can’t see them. You are my Guide. You alone know what is best for me, so I willingly stand before You today to ask for Your direction, help, patience, and understanding. Teach me to have faith to stand firmly upon Your promises when I am impatient. I ask You to help me to endure to the end so I can reap the harvests that You already have planned for me. I rejoice in Your holiness and provision. Thank You, Father, for Your divine intervention in every area of my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.