Sometimes I think of those without Jesus in their life and how they are vulnerable to the deception of the evil one. They are defenseless against the attacks of satan. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).” Then I recall the power of the Spirit of God working through us and our prayers: “The seventy returned with joy, saying, ‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.’ And He said to them, ‘I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:17-18, NASB).’”
Our prayers have the power to step into the breech for those separated from God by their disbelief in Jesus. We can stand in the gap for them, lifting them up in prayer; praying for their protection and a softening heart toward Jesus. “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one (Ezekiel 22:30, NIV).”
Moses gave us a powerful example of standing in the gap for the Israelites. God was angry with the Israelites after they constructed a golden calf to worship instead of God. The LORD said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. Now then let Me alone, that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you a great nation (Exodus 32:9-10, NASB).”
God is about to bring his wrath on the Israelites for their sin, but Moses intercedes: “But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God. ‘LORD,’ he said, ‘why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand (Exodus 32:11, NIV).’ He asked God in the next verse, “Turn from your fierce anger; relent and do not bring disaster on your people (12).” It’s an amazing moment, and God listened to Moses’ plea: “Then the LORD relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened (14).”
Never underestimate the power of your prayers to help bring salvation to those who reject Jesus. Do not hesitate to come to their defense with your prayers.
© 2024, Chris G. Thelen
Therefore He said that He would destroy them, Had not Moses His chosen one stood in the breach before Him, To turn away His wrath from destroying them. – Psalm 106:23, NASB
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16, NIV
140 Character Christian 
Thank you. Thank you. Our God reigns!
Praise God! Blessings.
Thanks for the encouragement, Chris. I have seen the Lord answer my prayers for lost loved ones, and I just pray that someday they’ll see that HE was the one protecting them in those moments.
Thanks for sharing that. It is so reassuring to see our prayers answered, even if those we pray for cannot see it. Blessings.