Anyone who God is against is doomed already. However, I have good news for you: God can change His mind if the condition are right for Him to do so.

In Exodus 32:14, God was ready to destroy the Israelite's and start a new generation, but Moses was successful in his appeal. What was in Moses’ plea that made God change His mind?

First, Moses was pleading from the mountain. He had a special relationship with God. He was closer to God than the rest, he was a favourite. If you have incurred God’s wrath through sin, you stand a better chance of obtaining mercy by getting someone like Moses – with a higher level of anointing to plead on your behalf.

Secondly, Moses was not selfish in his plea. He was always particular about God’s name and reputation. When you put His interest first. He listens. Moses said:

“Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.
Exodus 32:12

Finally, Moses ensured the people repented and forsook their sins. God cannot be fooled. After forgiveness, you cannot continue doing what brought His wrath on you in the first place.

Christian leaders, if any member of your flock is going astray, plead with God for such. If the fellow changes, you could discipline them before God does. God still punished the Israelites for transgressing despite not wiping them out. This is why erring workers in the Church are sometimes suspended – we don’t want God to mete out the punishment Himself. Man’s punishment cannot be as fearsome as God’s anger. It is true that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but God does not want the death of a sinner (Ezekiel 18:23). If you confess your sins, repent and forsake them, God is faithful and just to forgive you and spare you His wrath. Indeed, He will not reject a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17).
Written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye.