“The obscure side of a struggle is the awesome wrestling match people have with success. First, success is given only at the end of the great struggle.”¹ The case of the biblical Jacob is noteworthy: “And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me… And there he blessed him.” — Genesis 32:22-32”

Success don’t come easy. Success is success only because it’s related to struggle. Victory only comes after conflict. Jacob spent the night alone on a riverside. There, a mysterious being—considered to be an angel or God himself—wrestled with Jacob, even striking him painfully in the hollow of his thigh. Jacob wrestled with the angel all through the night, and would not let him go until he blessed him.

As a result of his persistence, the Angel puts a lasting mark of honour upon him, by changing his name. Jacob who was trying to run away from his past, was on his way to Cannan in anticipation of a better life. He had fears and doubts about his future, and so in his loneliness, he employed prayers motivated by a determination for success. indeed, success is born of struggle, and the harder the struggle the more glorious the triumph.

His struggle with the angel yielded success because he was given a new name. He prevailed over his fears and he was named Israel, a prince with God, a name greater than those of the great men of the earth.  Jacob was blessed with eternal blessing, but that not without a fight! Likewise, those who would have the blessing of Christ, must resolve to take no denial. Fervent importunity prayer is the sure key to winning life battles.

“However tried or discouraged, we shall prevail; and prevailing with Him in prayer, we shall prevail against all enemies that strive with us. Nothing requires more vigour and unceasing exertion than wrestling. It is an emblem of the true spirit of faith and prayer. Jacob kept his ground; though the struggle continued long, this did not shake his faith, nor silence his prayer.

Perseverance pays. OG Mandino said, “I will persist until I succeed. Always will I take another step. If that is of no avail I will take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult. I know that small attempts, repeated, will complete any undertaking.

Sylvester Stallone had been turned down a thousand times by agents and was down to his last $600 before he found a company that would produce Rocky. The rest is history!

Ray Kroc, the late founder of McDonalds, knew this too. “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence” he once said. “Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with great talent. Genius will not. Un-rewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not. The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence, determination and love are omnipotent.”

To receive something without struggle lessons it’s personal value. Success is the reward God gives to the diligent who, who through perseverance obtain the promise. There’s no way to receive what God has for your life without fighting the obstacles and challenges that block your way to conquest.¹

The conflict you’re in might be an indication of an impending success. So don’t give in, use the faith lifeline. You’re winning! Yes, we are winning!

GReatMark

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_wrestling_with_the_angel

T.D Jakes, Hope for Every moment