Document:  /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940505.TXT
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OUR DAILY BREAD                        Thursday, May  5,1994
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READ: Genesis 32:22-32

                "BOXING OR WRESTLING"

              Then Jacob was left alone;
             and a Man wrestled with  him.
                  - Genesis 32:24

The president of International  Concerts  of  Prayer,  David
Bryant,  told  of arriving in a major city to help conduct a
time of prayer.  As he entered the building where the  meet-
ing was to take place, he noticed that the huge hall was be-
ing shared by another event.  In one  room  was  the  prayer
meeting;  in  the  other room there was going to be a boxing
match.

Two signs greeted visitors, each with  arrows  pointing  the
way.   In  bold  letters,  one  said  BOXING; the other said
PRAYER.  Bryant said it occurred to him that  this  was  the
first  time he had ever been in a situation where people had
to choose between boxing and wresting.

Bryant was saying that prayer can be like wrestling,  as  we
see  in Genesis 32.  When Jacob realized that the Man he was
grappling with was God in human form, he asked for a  bless-
ing and would not let go of Him until his request was grant-
ed.  God honored that perseverance.  The Lord said to Jacob,
"You  have  struggled  with  God and with men, and have pre-
vailed" (v.28).

We can't twist God's arm or use Him for our own  ends.   But
we can "wrestle" with Him by persevering in prayer when what
we ask for is in His will.  Perhaps it's time to do a little
more wrestling.

Author:  J. David Branon

        You are coming to a King,
        Large petitions  therefore  bring;
        For  His  grace  and  power  are such,
        None can ever ask too much.  - Newton

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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You do not have
   because you do not ask.  -James 4:2

The Bible in One Year:  Psalms 73-75

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