Our role in the history of mankind- Exodus 32:14, Moses pleads earnestly with God not to bring disaster on the Israelites and God changes His mind!
- 2 Kings 20:2-6, King Hezekiah cries out to God because he doesn't want to die yet and God ads another 15 years to his life!
At first sight these stories seem to contradict what is written in Numbers 23:19, God is not a man, that He should change His mind. I read that scripture over and over again, wondering why it says that God doesn't change His mind while at the same time the Bible shows He does! But then I saw the implication of the first part of this verse: God is not a man... in other words, don't compare Him with the way we change our minds. We change our minds because we feel like it, or because it suits us better, or because we are unstable in our thoughts or because.... well, I am sure we can all fill in the reasons why we do what we do and why we are not always faithful to our words.
God however is NOT a man, He does not act based on feelings or emotions (let's face it, if He did, all tears shed would have made Him change the world by now). He is God and He is faithful to His promises, He is trustworthy and reliable. He has, however, decided that prayers of faith are powerful (see for example James 5:14-15) and that He will act on our behalf when we earnestly seek Him. Psalm 34:15 says: The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry!
So, whether you worry about world events unfolding, the political climate in your country or a personal struggle, cry out to Him! He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their plea! (Psalm 102:17)
Hi Marja -
ReplyDeleteWell thought-out post.
I think we confuse God's foreknowledge with His will. His ultimate purposes will be done. Yet within the framework of covenant with man and man's free will, there is room for man to obey or disobey God.
Think of the boundaries parents set for their children. Within those boundaries, the children have certain freedoms.
This is much too small a space to explore this issue. Thank you for an excellent post.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Wonderful post Marja... wonderful! This is a good word that many need to read. I will have to pass along to others. I hear a lot lately that.. "if such and thus doesn't happen then there is no hope..." I say NO! There is always always hope and He loves us more than we can fathom. Thanks tons for this :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Marja! Good insight on the fact that God doesn't change His mind like we, humans, do. He can be petitioned and can change His mind because of the heartfelt prayers of His people - and still be consistent with His character and nature. Thank you for highlighting this important difference!
ReplyDeleteIn response to your comment over @ Life Lessons:It IS unbelievable how we can deceive ourselves into thinking that we're only imagining that wobbly feeling! It's so much better to address the problem and take care of it! I can't agree enought with your statement, "Thank God for His outstretched hands (that can fix anyting!)" Have a blessed week, my friend!
Thank you Susan, Lorrie and Maria for your positive feedback, your comments really ad something to this post, I appreciate your input!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Marja.
ReplyDeleteIt gives me encouragement to keep praying and I remember Abraham bargaining with God for the souls of Gomorrah, 'Peradventure there be....so many.. righteous?
Just wanted to thank you for stopping by Life Lessons. I appreciate the European perspective! I'm sure the US is one of the only countries that offers sweets with virtually every meal. Hence our struggle as a nation with obesity! Point well taken. Have a wonderfully disciplined weekend!! :)
ReplyDeleteMuch to think about here. It is an encouragement to know that He is in control, and He is faithful.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen