How Harm Becomes a Blessing

The Hebrew word for transformation is used nearly a hundred times in scripture.  This word indicates how Elohim maneuvers circumstances in response to prayer.  He can – and will – transform a harmful predicament into a source of blessing for His people as they pray.  

For instance, a seer intended to curse Israel.  But, Elohim transformed his temporal curse into an eternal blessing.  The nation and people of Israel  were blessed, despite the potency of the intended curse (Deuteronomy 23:5).  The Almighty overruled his tongue, and put words of blessing into this enemy’s mouth, because Moses prayed.

Moses’ prayer opened the way for this blessing.  Earlier, he prayerfully appealed to Elohim’s name, reputation, promises, and the nature of His character and mercy.  The Almighty sought to annihilate the Israelites after they forged the Golden Calf.  But, Moses’ prayer caused Him to change His mind.

No word is God’s final word, according to A. J. Heschel.  The Prophet Jeremiah seems to agree.  “At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it.  If that nation against which I have spoken turns (shuv – turn around to go back to Him) from its evil, I will relent (nacham – regret, be sorry, and be comforted) concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it” (Jeremiah 18:7-8).

The people of the Most High wrestle in prayer until they receive the answer they seek.  This is our biblical example.  Prayer with kavanah, meaning fervency and fine-tuned fortitude, will succeed.  Explore this, and other gems, in Hidden Treasures of Kingdom Prayer.  

Published November 28, 2017