By: Melissa Bell
Have you ever prayed for something and wondered, “What’s the point?” Is God even hearing my prayers?
Recently I was feeling a bit discouraged in my prayer time, as I have been praying for some things FOR YEARS!
Do you ever feel like this?
Overwhelmed with feelings of doubt, wondering if your prayers really matter?
As God would have it, I came across a passage in Genesis that renewed my vigor and gave me a fresh perspective on prayer.
Beginning in Genesis 18:16, God reveals His plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. The city was full of rebellious people who were downright evil. (If you want to read the whole story, it is quite compelling)
The interaction that ensues gives us insight into the prayers of a righteous person and God’s response to our pleas.
Here are four things that stand out in the passage.
- God hears our prayers and responds. “Then the Lord said, ‘The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is immense and their sin is extremely serious. I will go down to see if what they have done justifies the cry that has come up to me. If not, I will find out.’” Genesis 18:20-21
- Abraham cared enough about his neighbors to “go to bat” for them.
- Abraham prayed God’s character back to Him, appealing to His mercy. “Won’t the judge of the whole earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25
- Abraham persisted in prayer. Abraham pleaded with God six times on behalf of the righteous who were living among the evil of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The next time you are feeling weary, remember:
- God hears your prayers and will act upon them in His timing.
- As a Christian, your prayers can make a difference, even in the lives of strangers.
- Spend time in God’s Word to know His character, and pray His character back to Him!
- Be persistent in prayer. There are countless stories of God fulfilling His promises after years of what felt like “unanswered prayers.”
I pray that God will reveal Himself to you as you continue seeking Him.
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ENOUGH
MARCH 2,2024
HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH | APEX, NC
