Prayer requires effort. It is often the hardest job of the day. It is engagement with God. It requires determination and honesty. Read Genesis 32. In verse 11 Jacob prays, “deliver me from Esau, for I fear him”. Later in the same night (vs 24), he begins to wrestle with an unknown assailant (identified as God in vs 30). In some ways, Jacob was doing what he had always done, fighting for his life. But this time he was fighting in a new way, he was struggling with God, holding on to God, determined to have his answer from God. It was hard work, and God could have ended the match at any time. Instead, the Father seems to welcome and honor his persistence. In a few hours we will gather for worship. ( John 20–doubting Thomas). Would Thomas have been closer to God for not expressing his doubts? Do we gain anything by not being honest, by not wrestling? I am praying for you this morning. See you in a few hours.
