The answer is yes. This is the way the Almighty God chose to design the world and to structure our relationship with Him.
The correct presumption is that if Esther had not interceded the Jews would have been destroyed.
To this day, Jews acknowledge and celebrate this in their annual Feast of Purim.
Today's intercessors are just as sure that in many cases without their faithful ministry of intercession God would not have done what He did.
John Wesley is frequently quoted as saying, 'God will do nothing on earth except in answer to believing prayer.'
John Calvin in his Institutes affirms that 'Words fail to explain how necessary prayer is.'
He says that the providence of God does not exclude the exercise of human faith. While the Keeper of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps, Calvin says, 'yet He is inactive, as if forgetting us, when he sees us idle and mute.'
Today's leaders, from Jack Hayford to Walter Wink, are saying the same thing. Hayford says, 'You and I can help decide which of these two things - blessing or cursing - happens on earth.
We determine whether God's goodness is released toward specific situations or whether the power of sin and Satan is permitted to prevail. Prayer is the determining factor.'
Walter Wink also rejects the idea that God is the cause of all that happens here on earth. He is omnipotent, but He has also limited His actions on earth in part out of respect for the freedom of His creatures.
While affirming that prayer changes us, Wink says, 'It is also changes what is possible for God.' "
[Special emphasis for quotes by Jean]
Today’s post -#6 How Powerful are These Petitions?, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 29, 30) By Regal Books
The next post is to be 7/9, #7 God's Best: Moses and Samuel, from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD.
[Google images added]
Let’s pray: Father, may our petitions be sincere and from our hearts. Open our understanding to the priceless value that You lay on our praying. May we remember that You meet us every time we come apart to pray. Help us find that we will become stronger in our faith as we see answers to our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: 2 Chron. 15:15 (NKJV)"...for they had sworn with all their heart and sought him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around."
To pray for your pastor: "Lord, give my pastor wisdom to prioritize the tasks of each day. Guard my pastor against the tyranny of the urgent, and help him/her discern what is most important Ps. 90:12; 2 Cor. 11:14; 1 Jn. 4:1.
Today’s quote: Cheri
Swalwel - My challenge to you is to rearrange your schedule so you purposefully
put God first. I’m sure there are small changes you could implement that would
show your Heavenly Father that He is more important than work or demands.
You’ll find yourself with a calmer attitude, knowing you have help from a
heavenly source. Let God start your day and I promise it will end in peace.”
Our thought today: We’re never to be
beyond the realm of compassion. There’ll be no panic if we have compassion.
Tomorrow’s post: I'm Sorry, Man Dave Branon
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