Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks. But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”

Jacob wrestled with God until he received his blessing. In life and ministry, never give up if you want to see a blessing. Do not be weary and refuse to take no for an answer. Take a firm decision: that whatever be God’s purpose and calling for your life, that you will accomplish by God’s grace and the determination given by the strength of the Holy Spirit.

Many give up easily on their dreams. When nothing happens as expected or prayers go unanswered for a long time, complaints and murmurs arise. But in such a situation, a fighting spirit and firmness of purpose is essential. Even in the midst of adversity, hold tight to God’s promises. Claim blessing, ministry and spiritual gifts with a fervent desire in the spirit; and the Holy Spirit will work for you.

Four Biblical examples of a fighting spirit:

1. Abraham
At 75, God promised Abraham a generation. At 99, he was yet to see evidence of it. Yet he did not weary in prayer but chose to hold tight to the promise. He was old and Sarah’s womb was as good as dead. Yet, [Abraham]…contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”(Rom 4.18)

When the devil resists a blessing, refuse to give up. Keep pressing on. No matter how long it takes, the Lord will accomplish that which he has promised. He will do miracles for you by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who look to him shall never be put to shame.

2. Joseph
God gave Joseph a vision at the tender age of 17. But for the next 13 years, there was no fulfillment of it. During this period Joseph experienced betrayal, hardships, trials and temptations but against all odds he held on to God’s promise. Pleasures of the world always leave us thirsting, but visions from heaven energise and strengthen us.

Joseph also interpreted others’ dreams when his own remained unrealised. (Genesis 40.8) It is easy to speak negative words when things don’t go our way, and especially when we see someone else hopeful and on fire. But rather than dampen another’s belief, encourage them even as you wait for your breakthrough. God is faithful to answer you.

3. Job
He was a God-fearing man of prayer, and he was prosperous. Though rich, his heart was with the Lord. However, afflictions rained down on him and he lost everything overnight. Even his wife asked him to curse God and die. But Job chose to fall down in God’s presence and worship him. He set his heart: All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. (Job 14.14) He persevered until he saw the end intended by the Lord (James 5.11).

If the devil stands between you and your blessing, then it is he that has to give up. Refuse to give up until your change comes, and continue to worship the Lord and hold onto his promises.

4. Elisha
Elijah was a difficult prophet to be submitted to. He was short on patience – a fiery man of God who brought down fire from heaven. However Elisha followed him with dedication, for years. At Gilgal, Bethel, Jericho and by the waters of Jordan, Elijah declared that he would go forward. Elisha could have opted to stay behind. But, desperate for the double anointing, Elisha refused to give up and chose to follow his spiritual father. It could be said that he ‘magnetized the mantle’. And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” (2 Kings 2.9) Most of us are content with just hearing the Word or meeting a man of God. But for the cloak of anointing to fall, you need to be desperate to claim the glory of God. When your heart is set on serving and following the Lord, there will be an impartation of the Holy Spirit.

Four Things to Fight Against
1. Discouragement & depression:
When his break through seemed impossible, Abraham hoped against hope. Refuse to be depressed and resist discouragement.

2. Doubt & unbelief:
Do you feel the Word over your life is not coming to fulfillment? Resist it. Do you doubt whether God will work for you? Resist it. Is the devil trying to shake your convictions in the Holy Spirit? Resist it! Pray for an anointing to resist doubts in your mind. Fight and claim the victory.

3. Human Opinion:
If you are to do what God has called you for, you will need to resist the action & reaction of people. However continue to love them and to do good.

4. Personal Limitations:
There might be several limitations in your life – physical weakness, fear, inferiority complexes, laziness or an addictive nature. But don’t let weakness confine you. Instead, submit it to God. If you have only one leg, run with it for Jesus! God is faithful to strengthen you.

5. Enemy’s Resistance
Resist the bondages of the enemy. If a prophet shows a problem in your life, he will also give a solution for it. Else he is not sent by the Spirit of God, it is the enemy’s resistance. Resist it and God will give the victory. Submit to God and resist the enemy – He will flee from you. While tending his father’s flock, David had to resist attacks, one after another. But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth (1 Sam 17.34,35). However he did not give up and God gave the victory. Remember the victories God has given you in the past; He is faithful to deliver your from every snare of the enemy.

Cultivating a Never-Give-Up Attitude
How can one cultivate an attitude a never-give-up spirit that holds on for Christ? Associate yourself with other fighters. He who walks with wise men will be wise (Prov 13.20). Be it an apostle, teacher, pastor or prophet: the anointing of the person you walk with will flow to you. The people who crowded around David were debt-laden, sick and frustrated but they become mighty men of God when they walked with David. Make a decision to walk in the ways of the Lord, in the company of those who love and serve the Lord.