GENESIS 16: 1-6
Sarah was hurt by Hagar for despising her after she had done her a great and uncommon favour. Sarah was cut to the heart and moved to revenge. Have you found yourself in a similar situation: hurt by those you have loved and opened your life and resources to?
Offence is one major thing an intercessor must avoid like a plague. It kills and burdens the soul. It removes concern for others out of a man’s heart. It weighs you down and opens you up to demonic oppressions. If Moses had been offended at Israel, he would not have been able to stand before God to intercede for them. As believers we are called to intercede as the spirit moves us (Rom. 8:26-28) especially for people within the sphere of our influence: our families, friends and people of our assignment. Beware of offences, it cost Moses the Promised Land.
Who have you stopped praying for because he or she offended you? If you don’t forgive people when they hurt you, you may find yourself secretly wishing them evil experiences. Samuel said he would continue to pray for Israel despite all their wrong doings (1 Sam. 12: 16-25). Never let offences blind your eyes.
When believers stop praying for the government because of things like hike in fuel price, the devil will take over the nation. When a father stops praying for his children because they are naughty, the devil will take over the home. If a wife stops praying for her husband because she was cheated, a strange woman may woo him. If a pastor stops praying for his church members because they were unfaithful, the devil will ruin the church! Forgive wrongdoing and see God do more through you for people and you‘ll be a greater blessing.
Prayer: Lord, I forgive all who have offended or hurt me. I release them from everything I have against them. Father, strengthen me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
1 Chronicles 11:1-12:18, Acts 28:1-31, Psalm 9:1-12, Proverbs 19:1-3
