Day 43 - Issue 26
Exodus 32:14 NLT
'So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people.'
At an age when ‘sleepovers’ were important to our daughter, my wife and I said no to her request that we host one over a weekend. We were tired and planned just to chill as family. My daughter took it well but two hours later re-emerged and said, “I recognise your preference is not to have a sleepover, but might we explore some alternative options?” My mediator training was being used effectively against me to present a reasonable request! With mixed emotions we explored options, we changed our minds and the sleepover went ahead.
Here Moses’ intercession causes God to change his mind. It is astounding that finite humanity might influence the infinite. Yet, here God turned his anger away from Israel. I think the reality is that the intercession expressed an intention yet was not guaranteed success. Living with uncertainty is something we humans don’t do well. It’s a cause of stress and can eat away at us. Yet, following God does not afford us the luxury of security. Who can guess where the Spirit will move next?
Some years ago when my dad had his second, serious heart attack, I arrived at the hospital and insisted on sitting with him in AMU (Acute Medical Unit). I sat and prayed for two hours until within myself I knew the ferocity of the battle I was experiencing subsided. His life felt as though it was being strongly contested and I had to fight in prayer, making my appeal to God on his behalf. Finally, I knew it was OK to release his hand and leave. My father made a slow but full recovery.
On that occasion I followed the prompting of the Spirit to pray, and perhaps that’s the insight. We can become aware of when to intercede and perhaps how to intercede in each situation, for we are called to be attentive and obedient to the voice of God. Intercession is not to accomplish my will in the earth but to collaborate with God’s Spirit for God’s will to be done in the earth.
QUESTION: What might the Spirit be leading you to in prayer for today?
PRAYER: Lord God, guide my thoughts and prayers to the people and places you would have me serve in prayer.
