We are equipped for battle with truth, righteousness, faith, the gospel, salvation, and the Word of God (see Ephesians 6:11-17).
And yet we know, “It is the Lord your God who fights for you (Deuteronomy 3:22).”
We stand firm and pray.
Here’s what God did as he led his people through a great and terrifying wilderness: “You have seen how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way you went until you came to this place (Deuteronomy 1:31).
God carries us through trouble to a place of peace.
People fled to a city of refuge for protection from an avenger (see Numbers 35:11).
People today pour out their hearts to the Lord, “for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:8).”
“Appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:16-17).”
All we like sheep need our shepherd.
This is why we pray.
Phinehas took a stand against sin and God’s wrath was turned away (see Numbers 25:6-13).
God’s Son, Jesus, who died for our sin, delivers us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36).
Before Christ came, priests represented the people in matters related to God. Priesthood was a gift (from Hebrews 5:1, Numbers 18:7).
Now we have a great high priest, Jesus, the Son of God. He sympathizes with weakness, understands temptation, and offers mercy and grace (from Hebrews 4:14-16).
We pray with confidence because Jesus represents us.
Miriam spoke against Moses, a man God describes as a meek, faithful servant. God was angry and punished Miriam with leprosy.
“And Moses cried to the Lord, “O God, please heal her—please (Number 12:13).”
Be like Moses. Choose prayer.
Certain men asked Moses a question about keeping Passover. Moses said, “Wait, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you (Numbers 9:8).”
Consider God’s perspective before you give an answer.
“The Lord spoke to Moses . . . and the people did “all that the Lord commanded (from Numbers 1:1; 2:34).”
God still speaks. His Word “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).”
Listen.
The consequences for Israelite’s disobedience were dire. But if they confessed and if their hearts were humbled, then God remembered and kept his covenant with them (see Leviticus 26).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
A Blog on Prayer 