'Not by wrestling, but by clinging
Not by wrestling, but by clinging
Jacob had victory and blessing not by wrestling, but by clinging .
His limb was out of joint and he could struggle no more, but he would not let go. Unable to wrestle, he wound his arms around the mysterious opponent, and held on until at last he conquered.
Just so, we do not get victory in prayer until we cease struggling, give up our own will, and throw our arms around our Father's neck in clinging faith!
Human strength cannot take blessing from God. It is never the strength of our willfulness which prevails with God, but rather clinging faith.
It is not when we press and seek our own will, but when humility and trust unite and say, "Not my will — but Yours be done." We are persuasive with God, only to the degree that self is conquered and is dead. Not by wrestling, but by clinging — do we get the blessing.