I WILL NOT LET THEE GO,

 
NOVEMBER 24.
 

I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
Genesis 32:26

 
IMMINENT danger made Jacob importunate, he wrested,
  or wept and made supplication, until he prevailed.
He wanted a blessing.
He sought the blessing.
He could not be satisfied without the blessing.
He obtained the blessing.
 
Here is our example.
 
God is never backward to give,
  but he will try our sincerity.
 
He will prove if we are really in earnest.
 
He will have us persevere in prayer, and
  then he will grant our request.
 
Jacob’s name was changed,
  he was no longer to be called Jacob, or
  a supplanter; but Isreal, a mighty prince.
 
This was his memorial.
It was a token of approbation.
It was a mark of honour.
 
Beloved, is there not some blessing that we need,
  for ourselves, our families, or others?
 
Is the blessing promised, or
  is God in the habit of bestowing it?
 
If so, let us seek it.
 
Let us go to God first as Jacob did,
  let us wrestle as he did, and
  we shall prevail as he did,
  for our God is the same, and
  we have a greater encouragement that Jacob had.
 
True prayer will perform wonders.
 
The fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
 
Hence one has said, ==
 

I found to my experience glad,

That in the wrestling way,

The God of Jacob never said

The seed of Israel nay.

 
James Smith 1849