Have you ever been bitterly disappointed with someone you deeply respected – maybe even loved – who has failed and messed-up big time?
“Well, salvation or recovery is so unlikely I’m not going to waste my time praying for her anymore. I only have so much time for praying each day, so I will pray for others who are more likely to succeed. The first few times she did it, I faithfully prayed for her – but now, well – my patience has run out. I doubt if she will ever change. I’m not even going to bother getting my hopes up anymore. She does well for a few months, and then she takes another nosedive. I am tired of being disappointed.”
When you read through the Old Testament, you can’t help but be amazed at God’s longsuffering and patient attitude towards a nation that frequently and repeatedly nosedived, disappointed Him and rebelled against Him. Think of the prophet Samuel’s attitude towards the nation of Israel. They rejected Samuel as their judge. They rejected the Lord as their King and requested their own earthly king so they could be like the nations around them.
Samuel told the people:
“Your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for a king.” 1Samuel 12:17
These words were followed by a torrential rain and an electrical storm that frightened the people into a renewed fear of both the Lord and Samuel. Then Samuel said:
“as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way.” 1Samuel 12:23
Just a second, Samuel, are you saying that no matter what, you are going to keep praying for these people with such a miserable track record?
“That’s right. It would be a sin for me to ever give up on them and to give up on the Lord’s ability to draw them back to Himself. I will not only keep on praying for them, but I will also take every little opportunity to teach them what is good and what is right and then leave the results with the Lord. How could I ever write-off a people that God loves unconditionally?”
Psalm 147 reiterates that our God is the God of Restoration.
…He gathers the outcasts of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” Psalm 147:2-5
If He numbers and names the stars, how much more does He follow those for whom we are burdened, and He does so with a heart that longs for their return, restoration, or salvation. He knows what they need. How partial and incomplete our understanding is! He sees the complete picture. His understanding is infinite.
Like Samuel, keep praying, dear child of God. They may write themselves off. Others may write them off – but God never writes one of us off – no matter what!
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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