Change

Last night in the men’s group we discussed prayer and if it changes the heart of God. Can prayer change the mind of God? Change is not a word I tend to associate with Him, but when I reflected on it last night, I came to the conclusion that He can change. And after meditating on it this morning, I want to clarify some of my thoughts surrounding God and change.

For me, it seems the confusion lies with the word “change”. Google defines change as to “become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature.” What I would like to draw from this definition is this: the concept of change is a human idea. By the definition listed, God does not change. I want to also note something that I think is important.

Many times we apply the word “can’t” to God. Perhaps we say “God cannot lie.” There is another way of looking at it – whatever God says is truth. It is not that God can’t, is that whatever He does is. If God says tomorrow that 2 + 2 = 5, then the universe would reflect that truth.

Let’s go back to prayer and change. I am suggested here that the human definition of change does not apply to God. God acts consistent with His character. That is what He means when He says that He does not change. Let me be careful here in this definition. What I mean is that the actions that God takes are in perfect conformity with His attributes. His actions are holy, righteous, just, loving, merciful, and truthful.

Let me go one more step here. When God says He does not change, it does not mean that His mind is made up on every situation and circumstance. When He chooses to save some people and send others to hell, both actions are consistent with Who He is. This is not change. It is not “different in essence.” He does not lose his “original nature.” We are made in His image, and make choices, many that are ‘consistent’ (in a frail human way) with who we are (or think we are). Imagine the infinite possibilities with God.

Prayer not only brings us closer to God (the primary purpose), but serves to make requests of a loving Father, who gives generously and without reproach (James 1). And in those requests, God chooses to answer or not answer as He sees fit, in perfect conformity with His character. Recall the parable of the persistent woman who came before the judge in Luke 18:1-8.

Does God change? By human definition, no. But can my prayers touch His heart and move Him to act in different ways? Yes.