Psalm 103:8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Do you know what a merciful, compassionate God we serve? Do you know he listens to the cries of our heart? He’s even known for changing his mind in response to our prayers. Many scriptures reveal him as a God who will relent.
- Exodus 32:14: When Israel made the Golden Calf and faced total annihilation, Moses interceded on the nation’s behalf…and God relented.
- 2 Samuel 24:10-16 A plague came upon Israel as a result of the king conducting an unwarranted, ungodly census, but David begged for mercy to stop the plague…and God relented.
- Jonah 3:10: Nineveh’s wickedness had put them on the “eve of destruction” (to quote a song from the 60’s). But at Jonah’s preaching, the whole nation repented…and God relented.
- Amos 7:1-6: Because of Israel’s blatant rebellion against God and all he stood for, he threatened to destroy them with locusts, and then with fire. In both instances, Amos called out for mercy, and in both instances…. God relented.
- Isaiah 38:5 When the Lord told Hezekiah to get his house in order because he was going to die, Hezekiah cried bitterly and asked God to give him more time…and God relented.
Whether in dealing with nations or individuals, the power of prayer cannot be overestimated. Nor the power of repentance. Even in those situations that appear utterly, totally hopeless. Even when we deserve not a whit of God’s mercy. Never forget that the prayer of the righteous wields great power (James 5:16). Not feeling very righteous? I bet someone who loves you is, and that they are praying for you. I knew a woman who faithfully prayed for her unbelieving husband all their married life. He found Christ on his deathbed.
Our destiny is not locked in like a predetermined script. Neither is our country’s (2 Chronicles 7:14). What seems inevitable isn’t always inevitable. Our merciful, gracious God who abounds in love invites us to join him, to pray, to believe, to make a difference in the world we live in.
So don’t you dare give up hope. No matter where you feel desperate. Trust in the God who relents.