Trials Produce Perseverance
Jacob whose name means “schemer” had been scheming since birth. He was able to secure the birthright and the blessing from his brother by his scheming. This way of life caused him to have to flee to the house of Laban, his mother’s brother – a master schemer. This is where Jacob learned to prevail with men. Laban changed his waged several times and tricked him into marrying both daughters instead of the one they agreed to. Laban’s plan was to keep Jacob there forever, receiving the good from the blessings that was on Jacob’s life because of the favor of God. Jacob couldn’t trick him.
Jacob the Schemer Turned Prevailer
There under Laban’s oppression Jacob learned to depend on God. He learned to endure through faith in God and patience. Through these he finally prevailed against Laban. Through faith and obedience to God he gained great substance and flocks in spite of Laban’s best efforts to keep that from happening.
Prepared for Victory
When Jacob fled from Laban’s house he met with the Man whom he wrestled with all night. The man was the Angel of the Lord. The Bible says, “When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed,” Genesis 32:25-28.
Prevailing Faith
Laban was preparation for prevailing with God and the Lord spoke to this fact – that Jacob had striven with men and prevailed. The night he wrestled with God he prevailed because had already learned to prevail with men.
A Prayer for You
Beloved, I pray that your sufferings would produce in you endurance and prevailing faith, the kind that will cause you to strive with God and win, not letting go until He blesses you. May a victorious spirit be upon you through Christ Jesus our Lord!
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