Before your victory shows on the outside, you need to win first in the spirit. We prevail first with God, before we prevail with men.

 

This readily brings to mind the picture of Jacob, when he wanted to return to his homeland with all that God had blessed him with. But then, he remembered there was a problem. He had cheated his brother several years before, which resulted in his seeking asylum in another land. And his brother, Esau, who had become a very strong man, vowed to take revenge against him. So, Jacob had every reason to be afraid.

 

When Esau heard that Jacob was coming home, he got this army ready to attack Jacob. Jacob knew he was in trouble and could lose everything, including his life, if he did nothing about the situation. So, he decided to “settle” the matter with God. He knew he’d have to prevail with God first, to prevail with his brother Esau. The Bible tells us that the angel of the Lord appeared to Jacob, and Jacob wrestled with the angel all night long (Genesis 32:24).

 

Now, there’re so many interpretations of that account, but the most significant thing about this experience that Jacob had with the Lord is the lesson on prayer: “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” The angel said, “Let me go, for the day breaketh.” But Jacob declared, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me” (Genesis 32:26). This was Jacob, prevailing in prayer!

 

Hosea 12:3-5 says “ He took his brother by the heel in the womb, and by his strength he had power with God: Yea, he had power over the angel, and prevailed: he wept, and made supplication unto him: he found him in Bethel, and there he spake with us; Even the LORD God of hosts; the LORD is his memorial.”

 

It was during this encounter that his name was changed to Israel, leading to a complete turnaround in his life. The angel said, “Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed” (Genesis 32:28). You see that? He prevailed with God.

 

Prevailing with God doesn’t mean forcing Him to do something; no. It’s winning first in the spirit! It’s when you continue in heartfelt intercession until you gain the victory in your spirit; seeing and apprehending your victory in the spirit. When you win first in the spirit, nothing in this world will be able to successfully stand against you.

 

PR