Isaiah 59:1, 16 – “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear… He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him.

As we read Isaiah 59 and the Book of Acts, several things capture the heart and mind.  Did you know God, who knows everything, can be astonished?  That is what Isaiah 59:16 informs us.  Amazing, isn’t it? 

The declaration in Isaiah 59:1 is that God can do everything and hears everything!  Because the people knew that truth, God was astonished that there was no one to stand in the gap and intercede.   Even though they knew who He was and what He could do, they should have produced intercessors; there were none! 

God told Jeremiah that before He was formed in the womb, He knew him and had called him.   God said, “I am watching over My Word to perform it.”  Then, out of a broken heart, God said in Jeremiah 2:11 – “But My people have changed (exchanged) their glory for that which does not prosper. “

They were trusting their ability and turning to idols and flawed philosophical ideas. They had become like the Athenians and worshipped an Unknown God.  I find Isaiah 65 incredible that God would allow people who are pursuing everything but Him to find Him.  He loves mankind that much.

If we are to love like God and have Christ IN us, we, too, must love mankind enough to intercede.   The measure of our love for God is demonstrated in our love for and intercession for people.  How much do we love?  How much do we focus on ourselves and ignore the lostness and needs of others? 

God has given direction and promise of provision.  He is watching over that Word to make sure it happens.  He has promised provision for every need.  We are taken care of.  As we minister to and intercede for others, God extends His protection and provision to us.

We do not know the hearts of others, but God does, including ours.  Our cry should be, “Lord, help me to feel Your heart and have Your compassion to the degree it drives me to my knees for the lost, hurting, dying, bound, and afflicted.” 

Therefore, since it was for freedom, we were set free.  We should shudder at the prospect that God would become astonished at our indifference.  We should desire for Him to see us as a people after His own heart.

We find peace, provision, power, and authority in that place.   We break all the strongholds and chains on ourselves and our families there.  God is on our side, so let us endeavor to be on His! 

I urge you to make the decision today to be wholly surrendered to Him, which He can use to stand in the gap and intercede.  That decision will lead to ultimate victory!   It is yours.  I urge you to See it, Believe it, and Receive it!

Have a fantastic day in Jesus; He is our Hope and Help!