The Prophet Isaiah was speaking to God in the verse above. Israel was in a tight corner because none sought the Lord; no one stirred himself up to “take a hold” of God. We, however, as Christians, can stir ourselves up to take a hold of God, to take a hold of His words, and make them real in our lives, through prevailing prayers.
It brings to mind, Jacob’s encounter with the Angel of God’s presence. Jacob knew he needed a miracle to escape his brother, Esau’s wrath, having deceived their father, Isaac, to obtain the inheritance in place of Esau. Jacob divided his family and everything he had into two groups and sent them ahead of him to entreat Esau such that, if Esau smote a particular group, the other group, perhaps, could escape and be spared (Genesis 32:4-8). Subsequently, Jacob was left alone, and the Bible says he wrestled with an angel all night long. Jacob wouldn’t let go of the angel until he received a blessing from Him (Genesis 32:24-26).
In the book of Hosea, the prophet explains that the angel that wrestled with Jacob was actually the Lord: “…in his strength he struggled with God. Yes, he struggled with the Angel and prevailed; He wept and sought favor from Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke to us—that is, the Lord God of hosts. The Lord is His memorable name” (Hosea 12:3-5). Jacob stirred himself up to take a hold of God through prayer, to take a hold of God’s blessings.
This is something we must learn to do as Christians, to stir ourselves up and take a hold of God’s Word for us and for others through prayer. We must remain importunate as we intercede for lost souls, and for those who have strayed from the faith. We must prevail in prayer for them until Christ is formed in them.
