‘“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65: 24, NKJV
Dear Heavenly Father, we know that this is true because You promised. Grant that this promise will encourage us to move forward in faith. Amen
This promise belongs to a group of Scripture with dual fulfillment. They foretell of events that could, or would, take place in the here and now, sometimes under specific circumstances; but would also find fullfilment in the hereafter. If God’s people were obedient to Him they would begin to experience heaven on earth. Not only would they be prosperous, but all creation would benefit from their obedience as well. Justice would reign, and in them, all the nations of the earth would be blessed. That was the purpose of the laws that God had given His people. These wholesome principles were to be a hedge of protection around them, as well as around everyone with whom they came in contact.
God would dwell in the midst of His people. He would be in earshot of their every wish and need. There would be “nothing between [their] soul[s] and the Savior, So that His blessed face [could] be seen; Nothing preventing the least of His favor: [they would] Keep the way clear! [And] let nothing between.” Charles A. Tindley (Church Hymnal, p. 322).
Even though sin does not nullify God’s grace, it is offensive to Him. His Word confirms this: “Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Let us never forget that it was the sins of the world that hid the Father’s face from His Son, and broke the heart of Jesus.
God was painting a picture of what life would be like for His people, if they would live in accordance with His will. Before they would even speak the word, their prayers would already be known to God, and granted in anticipation of their request. While their prayers were still on their lips He would have already heard them! This is what Jesus is longing to do for you and me. Before we are sure what we ought to ask for, He already knows, and begins to grant us the desires of our hearts before we are finished speaking. It certainly pays to serve Jesus, doesn’t it?
It was summer time. I was in high school, and wanted a job to be able to purchase some of the things that are important to young ladies. My mother, my uncle, and my grandparents (my mother’s parents), were doing all that they could for me. I wanted to help myself. I was a young Christian, wanting to do the will of God. I remember one day around lunch time, I went into the bedroom and knelt in front of the bed and began praying, asking God to help me to find a job. While on my knees I heard someone talking to my mother. It was my brother-in-law who had come by the house to see if I was interested in a job as a receptionist in his office during the summer! I was! The person who had been working with him for years would no longer be able to work. He needed someone to take her place right away!
I worked there every summer until I graduated from high school. After that I worked full time until I got married! If God did it for me, He will surely do it for you. Prove Him today!