“He already cares for the things we pray about… He has simply been waiting for us to care about them with him.” – Philip Yancey

When we read the account of Sodom in the Bible, we find God is about to destroy the city because of its wickedness, but he pauses. Why? Because he remembered Abraham. And when he remembered Abraham, he sent two angels to escort Lot, his wife, and daughters out of the city just minutes before he destroyed it.

What did God remember about Abraham that caused him to pause? He remembered Abraham’s intercession for his nephew Lot. Abraham had bargained to the point where God agreed he would not destroy the city if there were ten righteous people in it. But there weren’t, so God was going ahead with his plan. That’s when he paused.

At that point, it seems God wasn’t focused on Lot and his predicament. He was remembering Abraham and his prayer (see Genesis 19:29). He wouldn’t have had to rescue Lot. The bargain Abraham made required ten righteous people. But God heard Abraham’s heart, and he sent rescue angels for Abraham’s sake.

Isn’t it amazing that God is influenced by the prayers of one person? That he sometimes adjusts his plans because we ask? If what we ask for can be given to us and not interfere with God’s bigger plan, it seems that God is willing to answer our prayer.

Are you praying for someone – for their rescue or recovery or repentance? Don’t give up. God may be sovereignly working his plan in the world and suddenly pause, remembering you and your prayer, and decide to act – because you asked.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.