READING: Isaiah 64-66
“Even before they call, I will answer.”
Isaiah 65:24
Yesterday’s devotion hammered at the reality that our sin gets in the way of God’s hearing our prayers. We are a most sinful people who make choices to please ourselves, all the while knowing that those same choices displease God—so it’s no wonder that He chooses not to listen to us in our rebellion.
Today’s reading tells a different story, however. The day will come when God will create a new heavens and earth when “the past events will not be remembered or come to mind” (Isa. 65:17). He will restore His people, and “the sound of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her” (Isa. 65:19). More specifically in comparison to yesterday’s devotional thoughts, the people will call on God—and “Even before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear” (Isa. 65:24). In those days, God Himself will hear and answer the prayers of His people. They will so walk with Him and He will so know their needs that He will answer their requests before they ever speak them!
So, yesterday’s reading spoke of God’s unwillingness to hear the prayers of rebellious people, and today’s speaks of God’s willingness to hear prayers before they’re ever spoken. The difference? God intervened to complete His gracious, forgiving plan of saving His people and creating a new heaven and a new earth. He’s a good, good God.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for the fact that He knows us through and through—and loves us anyway.
- Pray fervently today, praising God for already knowing your requests.
PRAYER: “God, I can only praise You for Your plan. I’m amazed by Your forgiveness!”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 21, 2 Chronicles 33