Yesterday I started a great devotional called, Life Journey, by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. The first lesson of the devotional was titled, “Asking God To Change His Mind”. The devotional described the relationship we have with God as one where we could go to Him boldly with our needs, desires and wishes. Because of how God views our relationship with Him and how much He loves us, we can talk to God boldly. Now it’s not saying we can be disrespectful to God, because God is a Holy God and He demands respect. But we don’t have to fear God when we go forward with our petitions.
The devotional looked at Abraham’s boldness in speaking with God from the book of Genesis, verses 16-33. In these verses, God has decided to destroy the city of Sodom because of the corrupt activities going on there. Abraham, even though he knows God’s plan, still questions Him on it. First, he questions God’s decision to destroy the entire city saying that a Holy and Just God like Him would not kill the righteous along with the wicked. God agreed and then Abraham asks God to spare the entire city if he can find 50 righteous people. Again God agrees, so Abraham continues his boldness until God has agreed that only 10 righteous people need to be found for God to spare the city.
The remarkable thing to me about this group of verses is Abraham’s conversation with God. To me it was truly like a son talking to his father. Abraham understood the relationship he had with God and was not afraid to ask for what he wanted. He knew the Father loved him and would listen. You and I also have this same relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ. So why do you go to God so timidly with your petitions? If you truly understood the relationship God wants to have with you there would be a boldness in your asking. Your prayers would have more power and confidence.
God wants to have an active relationship with you, one where you engage in conversation with Him. In those moments is where you grow closer to your Heavenly Father. Don’t be afraid to ask your Father for your heart’s desires. Engage with God on this most personal level and watch Him open up the world for you.
Truth In Love! ~ Chuck