Jacob ' s history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin , but who have returned unto Him with true repentance . While Satan seeks to destroy this class , God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril . The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined , his delusions are terrible ; but the Lord ' s eye is upon His people , and His ear listens to their cries . Their affliction is great , the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them ; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire . God ' s love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity ; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire ; their earthliness must be consumed , that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected .
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness , delay , and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried . The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time . Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined . His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer . All who will lay hold of God ' s promises , as he did , and be as earnest and persevering as he was , will succeed as he succeeded . Those who are unwilling to deny self , to agonize before God , to pray long and earnestly for His blessing , will not obtain it .
Wrestling with God--how few know what it is ! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch . When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant , how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God . Those who exercise but little faith now , are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience . And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble , because they have never made it a habit to trust in God . The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement .
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises . Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere . We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God . The deepest poverty , the greatest self-denial , with His approval , is better than riches , honours , ease , and friendship without it . We must take time to pray . If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests , the Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold , of houses , or of fertile lands . The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path save that upon which they could ask God ' s blessing . If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God , not in a cold , listless , lazy manner , but fervently and in faith , as did Jacob , they would find many places where they could say : " I have seen God face to face , and my life is preserved ." Genesis 32:30 . They would be accounted of heaven as princes , having power to prevail with God and with men .
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