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Jacob’s Terrible Night of Wrestling
121
If Jacob had not previously repented of his sin in obtaining the
birthright by fraud, God could not have mercifully preserved his life.
So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins
to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, despair
would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead
with God for deliverance. But they will have no concealed wrongs
to reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood
of Christ, and they cannot remember them.
All who try to excuse or hide their sins and leave them on the
books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by
Satan. The more exalted their profession is and the more honorable
the position that they hold, the more certain is the triumph of the
great adversary.
Jacob’s history assures us that God will not cast off those who
have been betrayed into sin but have returned to Him with true
repentance. God taught His servant that divine grace alone could
give him the blessing he craved. This is how it will be with those
who live in the last days. In all our helpless unworthiness we must
trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Savior. None will ever
perish while they do this.
Jacob’s experience testifies to the power of persistent, urgent
prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of unyielding faith.
The greatest victories are not those gained by talent, education,
wealth, or human favor; they are gained in the audience chamber
with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty
arm of power.
All who will lay hold of God’s promises as Jacob did, and be as
earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded.
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