I love this verse in Prov. 21:1. "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will."
We saw how the Lord turned Pharaoh's heart during the children of Israel's time in Egypt. He actually hardened the king's heart that He might more fully show His glory.
But this verse also gives me encouragement... if the Lord can turn the hearts of kings, He can also turn the hearts of those that I pray for... of my loved ones, of those that don't know Him. I claim this passage often in my prayers.
Inspiration tells us: "We need the vitalizing power of the Spirit. The strong cry of a church travailing to bring souls. There is need of more earnest wrestling with God for the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Eager, earnest, importunate prayer is needed. There is efficiency in prayer. In answer to fervent prayer, God can turn the thoughts and hearts of men as he turns the waters of the sea." (Review and Herald, Dec. 30, 1902)
Here's another encouraging quote:
"The Lord will hear our prayers for the conversion of souls..." (Messages to Young People, p. 315)
So.... the moral of the story! Let us not fight with kings or men in trying to change minds (not that good discussions are wrong), but let's put our main energy fighting on our knees, for the Lord alone can change hearts! And prayer makes a difference...
Tomorrow's Reading: Prov. 23-24 and Ps. 92-93
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