Satan leads many to believe that God will overlook their unfaithfulness in the minor affairs of life ; but the Lord shows in His dealings with Jacob that He will in no wise sanction or tolerate evil . All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins , and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven , unconfessed and unforgiven , will be overcome by Satan . The more exalted their profession and the more honorable the position which they hold , the more grievous is their course in the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary . Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time . The case of all such is hopeless .
Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared will , in their despair , confess their sins in words of burning anguish , while the wicked exult over their distress . These confessions are of the same character as was that of Esau or of Judas . Those who make them , lament the result of transgression , but not its guilt . They feel no true contrition , no abhorrence of evil . They acknowledge their sin , through fear of punishment ; but , like Pharaoh of old , they would return to their defiance of Heaven should the judgments be removed .
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 .
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