Don't take NO for an answer!

Don't take NO for an answer!

Genesis 32:25-26 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks. But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

This story has always puzzled me. Why would God wrestle with Jacob and seemingly try to make him stop when in reality God wanted to bless him? He said let me go when really, he didn’t mean it. There is a similar story in the New Testament. After the resurrection of Jesus, two men are walking towards Emmaus. They are oblivious to the fact that Jesus is alive. Jesus is walking beside them, talking to them about the scriptures. They came to a crossroad, and Jesus acted like He would continue to walk. Then they urged Him to stay with them. He then went with them and broke the bread with them.

Even when Jesus teaches us how to pray, He tells the story of the unrighteous judge. The women refused to take no for an answer and kept on pushing for help. In the end she was rewarded. And Jesus teaches us that this is the way we should pray. Be persistent.

In all of these three stories God rewards the persistency even though it is He who tries to stop them. Sometimes, it seems like God encourages us to not take no for an answer.

Don’t give up praying. Keep on wrestling. In the end He will bless you. Rev Gøran ANdreassen

Additional scriptures for further study: Genesis 32,25-29, 18:23-33; 2 Kings 2:1-15; Matthew 15:22-28, Luke 11:5-10, 18:1-8 , 24:13-35; Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 10:36, 12:1-2; James 1:2-4, 12; 2 Peter 1:5-7; Revelation 3:10.