MARY'S PRAYER CONNECTION

February 26, 2009

Devotional

"For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back."

"In a surge of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you, says the Lord your Redeemer."

"Though the mountains leave their place and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my convenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you." Isaiah 54:7, 8, 10 NIV

In verses one through six of Isaiah 54, we read of God's relationship with His people of Israel. Suddenly the tone changes in verse 7 and 8 revealing a shocking truth. God does have limited patience! Imagine how the people felt when God admitted to them, "In a surge of anger, I hid My face from you, for a moment." A little scary is it not?

How many times have we heard someone say, God is mad at me because He is not answering  my prayers? We pay little attention to the phrase, God is mad at me, because most people do not believe God gets mad at us, while others maybe have not given this statement much thought. It is a given, God loves us, you and me! Yet, He said to the people of Israel, "In a surge of anger, I hid My face from you for a moment."

Maybe we need to reconsider the trust we have previously placed in a God who calls Himself a compassionate God and whose love is everlasting in verse 10. We may wonder could God, would God ever hide His face again, even for a moment. What do you think?

My answer is yes, maybe, if I do not change my ways and get serious about being a compassionate, caring and loving person of faith, hope and love for others.Maybe the season of Lent is a good time to recall those words, "In surge of anger I hid My face from you for moment" relizing God does have limits.

God's anger overcame God's love for a moment and God immediately forgave His people. What an example of the importance of forgiveness of others which is really a gift to ourself. God forgive the people and said, "Though the mountains leave their place and hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed." "...with everlasting kindness I will have compassion on you."

Has your anger ever overcome your love for a moment, an hour, a day, longer? How did you resolve your anger? Is someone in need of your apology, your forgiveness?

God of compassionate love forgive those times we turn our face from You. As your people Israel, we too forget Your love at times and seek You only when our life turns upside down. Keep Your promises before our eyes and as You dwell in the depths of our hearts make your presence known in our world.

Nudge us Father in those moments we are tempted to glance away for those who approach us for help. Withhold Your anger, be patient with us and guide us along the path of righteousness and love. Give us the wisdom to believe You, the courage to trust You and the will to accept the challenges You set before our feet. Bless us in the name of Your Son Jesus and help our nation and world to heal in Your time and in Your way.