The Influence of a Faithful Believer

   “He will even deliver the one [for whom you intercede] who is not innocent; yes, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.”  Job 22:30 AMP

   The verse above has had a special place in my heart for more than 30 years because it reminds me of one of the many advantages of living a life that honors God.  Because I am a devoted Christ-follower, the Lord has promised to honor my prayers when I pray for deliverance for the unsaved, and even for fellow Christians who have gotten off course.  The answers to my prayers may be delayed for a time, but they are guaranteed by God Himself – IF I will refuse to give up and quit praying.  Luke 18:1 (TLB) says, “One day, Jesus told His disciples a story to illustrate their need for constant prayer, and to show them that they must keep praying until the answer comes.”  Scripture tells us plainly that we are to persevere in prayer “until the answer comes.”

   The devil and his minions will try to convince us that you and I have to resign ourselves to standing by helplessly while people we care about are defying God and making bad choices.  The truth is, though, that as believers in right standing with God, our prayers “have tremendous power.” (James 5:16 AMP)  I heard a godly man say, “Even when we feel small and helpless, we can change lives through prayer.”  Hallelujah!

   One translation of Job 22:30 says, “Even those who are guilty will be forgiven, because you obey God.” (CEV)  You cannot control what other people do, but as a faithful follower of Christ, you can have a tremendous influence on their lives when you pray and stand on scriptural promises like this one.  Who is it that the Lord is calling you to persevere in prayer for today?

   Lord, teach me how to live a Christ-centered life.  Make me faithful to pray as an intercessor who is fully alert, and continually giving thanks to God. (Colossians 4:2 TPT)  Show me who it is You want me to persevere in prayer for each day.  Thank You that You will deliver those for whom I intercede who are not innocent, because of my righteousness in Christ, and my wholehearted devotion to You!

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