Devotionals
Creating the Correct Conditions for God to Answer
Jeremiah 11:1-13
Rev. Dr. R.J. Lightsey II, D. Div.
As I spent time in daily devotion this past week, I came upon the theme and the message I planned to preach today. However, in preparation for that message, I had to refer to another Scripture. While reading those verses, I heard God’s voice to go in a different direction and develop a new theme to share with you.
In Jeremiah 11:1-13 we see that God spoke to His prophet Jeremiah and gave him a message to share with Judah and Jerusalem. God told Jeremiah to remind them of the covenant he had made with their fathers and they had not kept the conditions of the covenant but had lived in the stubbornness of their own hearts. In verse 9, God told Jeremiah that Judah and Jerusalem were in a conspiracy (a secret plan to do wrong). God told him that they had reverted back to the same sins their fathers had committed. They were refusing to hear His Word, were serving other gods and had broken the covenant.
As a result, God said He would bring evil upon them that they could not escape and though they would cry out to Him, He would not answer. It would be too late and he would not change His mind.
God’s deafness to Judah’s cry was enough evidence of their sin. Not only had Judah broken God’s covenant (verse 8 says they did not obey, would not listen, and walked in the stubbornness of their hearts) but they also had gone off into idol worship. Verse 10 says they went after other gods to serve. Therefore, their fellowship with God was severed (disconnected) so he would not hear (answer) their requests. Psalm 66:18 says if I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear (answer) me. John 9:31 says that God does not hear (answer) the prayer of sinners but He does hear (answer) the prayers of those who worship Him.
When your life is not focused on God, when you have a lack of concern for others in their need, and are careless in keeping God’s Word and following His instruction, God cannot honor your prayer and you stand in danger of divine judgment... But, if you are and remain intimate with God, He will hear and answer your prayer.
Psalm 91:14-16 – “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.”
The way to always have God’s attention, to know that He hears and will answer your prayer is to remain in constant fellowship and obedience to Him. You must create the correct conditions for God to answer. Creating the correct conditions of fellowship, obedience, honesty, and humility is your responsibility. The responsibility lies with no one else but you. Therefore, seek God with all your heart to avoid His divine judgment and wrath. But, don’t do it just to escape the bad. Do it because you love to please Him. Your desire to please Him is a direct result of your love for Him. If you love Him, you will keep His commandments. Do you love Him? Do you daily create the correct conditions for God to answer your prayer? If not, pray this prayer and do it now.
Father, I confess my sin and shortcomings before you now. I admit I have fallen short of remaining focused on pleasing you and have allowed other gods, (people, things, and selfish desires) to occupy your place in my life. I sincerely ask for forgiveness. Your Word says that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I am your child and you are my God. Thank you for hearing and thank you for answering. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
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