Devotion:
Read Genesis 18:20-33.
Abraham’s nephew Lot had settled in the good grasslands near Sodom, a city in which particularly sinful people lived. God had decided to go there and destroy the city and all the people living in it. Abraham’s initial plea was a reasonable one…if there were fifty righteous people living there, surely they should not be destroyed with the entire city. When God heard this, God agreed and stated that if indeed there were fifty righteous people living in Sodom, God would save the entire city. The negotiation that follows is both scary and a bit funny. It is as if an auctioneer is chanting for lower and lower bids – 45, 40, 30, 20, and finally 10. We might expect God’s patience to run thin and for God to be upset with Abraham, but God is not upset in the least and grants Abraham’s request.
What lessons can we draw from this? Abraham’s prayer on behalf of righteous people, including Lot and his family, was well intended. God was patient as Abraham continued pleading. Abraham did not give up but instead persisted in his negotiation with God. Perhaps we are to learn from this that we are not to stop praying for a good thing when our request is not immediately granted, but instead we are to keep right on praying and believing that our prayers will be heard and answered.
Personal Worship Option:
What have you prayed for that has not yet happened? Does it seem to be consistent with God’s will? God does not get angry when we persist in our prayers. Take heart today and pray with renewed vigor and faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment