WRESTLING IN PRAYER

READ: 1 SAMUEL 1:1-20
            GENESIS 32:24-28

Today, we shall undertake some character studies. We shall examine the lives of a woman and a man. These two characters represent all men in all places. Are you a man? You can choose to be champion. Are you a woman? You can also be a champion. In Genesis 32:24-28, we meet a unique champion called Jacob. He knew that there was only one day separating him from death. He knew he was already in the ring and there was no where to run. The Bible said Jacob was left alone. Many of us have been fighting some battles alone. Jacob was left alone and, suddenly, a man began to wrestle with him. Jacob knew that if he won the fight, the rest of his days would be filled with joy. Jacob lost the initial rounds but he held on. The other champion decided to dislocate his leg to stop Jacob from fighting on. A champion is not unfamiliar with pains. In 1 Samuel 1:1-2, we have the story of Hannah. Only God knows how many rounds she lost to the devil. Satan planted someone in her house to keep telling her she was a loser. One day, Hannah came to church and resolved not to go home until the battle was settled. The Bible says she prayed so violently that she became inaudible. Many of us do not understand this clause. If we think that the woman was praying silently it means we do not know true pain. I did not know true pain myself until I witnessed a male circumcision. The child cried so much until he became inaudible. His mouth and his whole body shook yet no sound was coming out. When agony gets to a stage where you cry without you making any sound, there is bound to be a breakthrough. The problem with many of us, and why the devil has been winning, is that we are not serious with our prayers. We still believe that if God does not do it today, He would do it tomorrow. There are, however some of us who have been pushed to the wall and who know it has to be today! It cannot be tomorrow. When we get to this stage of desperation, we would do unusual things, say unusual prayers. We would shake the heavens to such an extent that God would intervene speedily. Change your situation through prayer today.

MEMORIZE: JEREMIAH 33:3 –Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.