Jacob's Prevailing Prayer
D. C. Hughes, M. A. Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. I. THE REPRESENTATIVE CHARACTER OF JACOB AT PRAYER. 1. He represents the true Christian in that he prayed. 2. He represents the true Christian in the characteristics of his prayer. (1) Assurance. (2) Promises pleaded. (3) Sense of unworthiness. (4) Gratitude. (5) Supplication. 3. He represents many a Christian in his anxiety. 4. He represents the judicious Christian in using all proper means that lie in his power. II. THE REPRESENTATIVE CHARACTER OF JACOB WRESTLING WITH THE ANGEL. 1. It represents the purpose of God in all His disciplinary measures. 2. It represents the means by which faith grows to its maturity. (1) Divine permission to carry out our own plans, to realize how vain they are. (2) God is often compelled to bring His child into absolute helplessness before faith will take hold of God's strength.Lessons: 1. God graciously deals with each of His children according to their circumstances and temperament. 2. Wrong-doing ever brings anxiety, weakness, failure. 3. To prevail with God, faith must rely only on Him. (D. C. Hughes, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. WEB: Jacob was left alone, and wrestled with a man there until the breaking of the day.