PRAY THROUGH AND ONLY BELIEVE
And as he passed over Penuel, the sun rose upon him and he halted upon his thigh.
Genesis 32:31
The “Pray It Through” and “Take It By Faith” schools have argued through the centuries and many a soul has been confused thereby. Some have “sought” and “tarried” and exhausted themselves agonizing to no avail. Others have mistaken laziness of passivity and have made a feigned faith an excuse for not resolutely pressing through to God. There is truth in both schools: one must mean business and come to a point of crisis; but, still, all we get from God simple faith must take.
Jacob did not win by wrestling. God crippled him and he ended by clinging. Sunrise at Penuel found him limping, but he had power with God and men. Paul did not pray through until his thorn was removed, but he learned to take by faith grace sufficient for each day. Jacob meant business and so did Paul. But beyond that they walked by simple faith and obedience. It may take wrestling to reach the point of abandonment. After that we cling in humble dependence.