A Willingness to Pray. Why are we surprised when God does something unexpected due to our willingness to pray? It’s scriptural. Right? In Exodus 33, Moses asks God for something extraordinary. His prayer was to see the manifest glory of God. But why does it seem that God’s response is unexpected!?!
Moses and the Glory of the Lord
17 The Lord said to Moses, "I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight, and I have known you by name." 18 Then Moses said, "I pray You, show me Your glory!" (NASB) 19 And He said, "I Myself will make all My goodness (glory) pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you, and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion." Exodus 33:17-19 (NASB1995) - Read Full Chapter @BibleGateway
According to scripture, no human had ever SEEN God. However, Moses had been in God’s presence before but had never seen Him. God had always veiled Himself by hiding within a cloud or fire. So, what was it that Moses had done to garner God’s favor?
12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but You have not let me know whom You will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If You are pleased with me, teach me Your ways so I may know You and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is Your people.” Exodus 33:12-13
Eagerness Brought about God’s Favor
Moses wasn’t perfect and struggled with leading. Despite this, he was eager to serve God. God was pleased with his obedience and therefore blessed him for having a willing heart. In addition, we know that God chose Moses and that they talked face to face daily in the Tent of Meeting. In turn, Moses relied on God to meet the tasks that God placed in front of him. This act of reliance earned favor for Moses.
A Willingness to Pray
God’s response to Moses’s request was unexpected but not out of character for Him. Verse 17 shows us that God looked upon him favorably and knew him by name. If we look at previous passages, we see a pattern of Moses showing up regularly to pray and seek God’s face daily. AND he did it for his family and friends rather than himself. It’s great to know that we could do the same; as a benefit, Jesus will know us by name as He looks upon us favorably. How!?! Through prayer and an intimate relationship with Him.
Today’s Assurance
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. Psalm 138:2
Prayer
Father, thank You for doing amazing things in my life as a result of prayer. Please help me to recognize Your faithfulness and praise You so that I will know how great You are. Show me the importance of praying for Your will in my situation daily. Please help me to see beyond what is in front of me. Give me a willingness to pray for others, including myself, every day, even when it’s hard. Lord, guide me and teach me Your ways. I want to know You and find favor with You. In your name, Jesus!
Thought For The Day
God can do something unexpected in our life when we are willing to pray and meet with Him daily.
