Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Don't Wrestle, Nestle

I will not let you go unless you bless me...Then he 
blessed him there. Genesis 32:26,29

Jacob won the victory and the blessing here not by
wrestling but by clinging. His hip was out of joint
and he could struggle no longer, but he would not
let go. Unable to wrestle further, he locked his arms
around the neck of his mysterious opponent, help-
lessly resting all his weight upon him, until he won
at last.

We too will not win the victory in prayer until we 
cease our struggling. We must give up our own will 
and throw our arms around our Father's neck in 
clinging faith.

What can our feeble human strength take by force from 
the hand of omnipotence? Are we able to wrestle bles
sings from God by force? Strong-willed violence on 
our part will never prevail with Him. What wins bles-
sings and victories is the strength of clinging faith.

It is not applying pressure or insisting upon our own 
will that brings victory. It is won when humility and 
trust unite in saying, 
"Not my will, but yours be done."
(Luke 22:42)

In this verse, John tells us that even in heaven there 
will be a song that will only be sung by those 
"who have been redeemed from the earth." 
It is undoubtedly a song of triumph--and a hymn of 
victory to the christ who set us free. Yet the sense of 
triumph and freedom will be born from the memory 
of our past bondage. 

Your Father is training you for a part that the angels 
cannot sing, and His conservatory is the school of 
sorrows. Others have said that He sends sorrow to test 
you, yet this is not the case. He sends sorrow to edu-
cate you, thereby providing you with the proper training 
for His heavenly choir.

In the darkest night He is composing your song. In the 
valley He is running your voice. In the storm clouds
He is deepening your range. In the rain showers He is
sweetening your melody. In the cold He is giving your
notes expression. And as you pass at times from hope
to fear, He is perfecting the message of your lyrics.

O dear soul, do not despise your school of sorrows.
It is bestowing on you a unique part in the heavenly
song.   George Matheson

Reader, I am disappointed that we remain here instead
of being caught up to be with Him. His timing is perfect
and it will all fit together in the end. I have begun to sing,
"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in 
Christ Jesus concerning you." 
Make up your own tune and sing it whenever life leaves
you breathless. It will change you.



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