Memorize : And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” Genesis 32:24&26
Devotional Reading: Genesis 32:21-32
A time comes in life when all expertise become inadequate to deal with difficult situations and challenges. Being at your wit’s end, you are seemingly enveloped in fear. At such a time it is wise to push aside every man-made strategy and seek God’s face in prayer, there is grace for you to triumph, prayer is the key!
This was what Jacob did. He was now approaching a fearful rendezvous with his estranged twin brother, Esau. True to his old nature, he thought he could bribe his way into his brother’s heart with sets of gifts by three groups of his servants. He typically adopted a carnal strategy to protect his own life and the lives of some of his children that he loved most. Yet as he realised the futility of this strategy it dawned on him that if he were to avoid disaster from Esau, and if he is to triumph, it would take God’s intervention.
At this point, he pushed everything aside, sent his family to a secure location, and decided to spend the night in prayer with God. The Bible account stated that Jacob engaged in wrestling with an angel and would not let go even when he suffered a dislocation in his thigh, until God looked upon him in mercy and blessed him.
There is a limit to how far your natural wisdom can carry you. Just when you think you have perfected your plans, then its futility begins to stare you in the face. The fear and confusion that set in at such a time can be mind-numbing.
Remember the Hymn – what a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to the Lord in prayer. And the words of Jesus in John 15:5; I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. There is abundant grace for us to triumph if only we can pray with our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
The efforts of man without the grace of God will turn to frustration and become wasted efforts, the answer and solution to our problems in life is not in the hands of man, they are in the hands of God who has given all power in Heaven and on Earth to his only begotten son Jesus Christ – Matthew 28:18. Whatever challenge you may be facing today, seize this moment to take it to the Lord in prayer, he will give you the grace to triumph, and watch Him perform an outstanding miracle in your life, there is no reliable help anywhere except in Christ Jesus. Psalm 20: 8&9; Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. May the LORD help you to rise and stand upright under the grace of God in Jesus name.
I pray that the LORD will come through for you and give you grace to triumph in whatever storm of life or challenges you may find yourself in Jesus name.
I wish every reader merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.
Prayer point: O LORD, in this season of Christmas, speak peace & triumph into my life and situations in Jesus name.
Prayer point: Father, grant me the grace to live righteous before you in Jesus name.
Key Does: Jesus the master of the Ocean, Earth and Sky, my eyes are fixed on you, let me triumph by your grace.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle
