Jacob had cheated his brother Esau and fled to another land. Esau, who had become a very strong man, had vowed to take revenge against him. So, when Jacob wanted to return to his homeland, he knew he was in trouble and could lose everything, including his life, if he did nothing about the situation. So, he decided to “settle” the matter with God.
He knew he’d have to prevail with God first, to prevail with his brother. The Bible tells us that the Angel of the Lord appeared to Jacob, and he wrestled with the Angel all night long (Genesis 32:24-30). When you study this account carefully, you’ll see that Jacob wrestled and prevailed with God in prayer! As a result, his name was changed to “Israel,” leading to a complete turnaround in his life. Hosea 12:3-4 gives even more insight to this: “…in his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept, and sought favor from Him….”
You see, before your victory shows on the outside, you’d need to win first in the spirit. You prevail first with God, before you prevail with men. This doesn’t mean forcing Him to do something for you; no. What it simply means is that you continue in heartfelt intercession, until you see and apprehend your victory in the spirit. When you win first in the spirit, nothing in this world will be able to successfully stand against you.
Prayer
Dear Father, you’ve shown forth the splendour of your right hand on my behalf! Your right hand upholds me and I’m lifted valiantly above circumstances, triumphing always, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
