Oak Hill Church of Christ 1-19-25 Message: "You Can Change God's Mind"

Oak Hill Church of Christ preaching minister, Randy Sterling, delivers a message on the power of prayer and the importance of coming to God to address great needs.

From a purely intellectual perspective, one of the fundamental reasons for worshiping God (or any god) is that the deity you are invoking knows more than you, is stronger than you, and more competent than you. There's little reason, as God explains of idols carved from wood by human hands, to worship a deity that cannot hear, nor can he act. There's no need to pray toward a deity who not only cannot listen to your requests, but does not have the power to fulfill them.

God, we are told in the Bible, not only has all power, but has incredible wisdom and understanding, as well as a heart of love for His people. God does not desire that bad things happen to His children, though, from time to time they might. God also does not desire to visit harm on His children, although they may be chastened from time to time for their disobedience in order that they might return to the right path.

Jesus says in Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it shall be opened to you..." The instruction to God's children is not one of singular attempt but repeated practice as Jesus also describes in Luke 11:5-10. Not merely "knock once" but "knock and keep knocking".

Those who seek God's power should not be easily dissuaded from their course. When you come to God and ask for help, don't give up at a single request, ask and continue asking. Jesus instructs those in need not to give up or turn away, but to keep trying.

If you are experiencing a suffering or troubling times, consider seeking God repeatedly. Pray for help not just once but always, until He responds. Don't give up. Have courage, trust in God and His loving nature as your Father in Heaven, as well as the being powerful enough to act on your request.