Sometimes we want God to bless an individual who absolutely does not deserve it. We might even wonder if it's right to pray for such an individual. But because we love—or at least enjoy—this person, we want God to bless them.
When struggling with conflicting emotions, it’s helpful to remember that God does not move in people’s hearts because they deserve it. He told Ezekiel to tell the Isrealites, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my Holy Name’s sake, which you have profaned.” (Ez. 36,22,23 NKJV)
We are more likely to feel comfortable praying for people who live on the edge when we remember our own sin. When we recognize our unworthy nature we remember that not one of us deserves God’s blessings. Yet God blesses anyway.
God says, I will sprinkle clean water on you . . . I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart . . . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues. . . . (vs. 25-36)
When struggling with conflicting emotions, it’s helpful to remember that God does not move in people’s hearts because they deserve it. He told Ezekiel to tell the Isrealites, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my Holy Name’s sake, which you have profaned.” (Ez. 36,22,23 NKJV)
We are more likely to feel comfortable praying for people who live on the edge when we remember our own sin. When we recognize our unworthy nature we remember that not one of us deserves God’s blessings. Yet God blesses anyway.
God says, I will sprinkle clean water on you . . . I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart . . . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues. . . . (vs. 25-36)
God is more than willing to bless others, even those who live on the edge. He wants to draw people to Himself and He wants us to pray for them.
Originally published May 7, 1993.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
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