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while they do this. The long, black catalogue of our delinquencies is
before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete; none of our
offenses are forgotten. But He who listened to the cries of His servants
of old, will hear the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He
has promised, and He will fulfill His word.
Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His
experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that
we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The
greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian
are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the
favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience
chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the
mighty arm of power.
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly
for God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of
God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he
was, will succeed as he succeeded. “Shall not God avenge His own
elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with
them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”
Luke 18:7, 8
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