Genesis Chapter 18 - God Listens

Abraham was a man of reverent respect for God, but he also displayed great respect for the people around him. When three angels in the form of men came to visit Abraham to tell him that his son would be born of Sarah within the next year, Abraham’s first response was one of total hospitality. Even before he found out their purpose for visiting him, he bowed before them, had their feet washed, gave them a time to rest in the heat of the day, and had a meal prepared for them.

Only after he was assured of their comfort did he find out their purpose. Sarah, standing nearby, heard their news and laughed at the impossibility of their message. Even though she denied laughing, the Lord confronted her with the truth of her doubt. There is nothing, not even the unspoken secrets of our heart, that God is not aware of. We might as well be totally open and honest with Him, because He already knows what is going on inside us.

One of the three angels was God Himself, and He informed Abraham what was going to happen to Sodom and Gomorrah. The two cities were to be destroyed for their wickedness. Recall that Sodom is where Abraham’s nephew, Lot, had settled. Abraham, stepping in the gap on behalf of the righteous ones living in Sodom, dared to ask God to spare the city on account of them. Though he started with a count of 50, he bargained with God down to a count of ten. This tells me when one walks in faith and lives obediently, God will lend an ear to His child to hear the cries of his heart.

God already knew there were not ten righteous people living in Sodom, but He did not grow impatient with Abraham as he asked for mercy. Abraham’s intercession on their behalf displays an unselfish attitude that wants what is best for others. God is a God of mercy, and it must warm His heart when He sees His children extend it also. I have to admit that sometimes I do not have that kind of attitude toward others, and I am not good at interceding. Change my heart, O God.....

This Creator of all things, who knows all things, still loves us so much that He listens to us. There is nothing that we cannot take to God in prayer. If we are genuine in our asking, God will prepare us for the answer which He will give. He desires to have us come to Him with all of our cares. I Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

"What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take is to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge!---Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer.
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find a solace there."
("What a Friend", Charles C. Converse)