“Can we believe that God really
modifies his action in response to the suggestions of men? For infinite wisdom
does not need telling what is best, and infinite goodness needs no urging to do
it. But neither does God need any of those things that are done by finite
agents, whether living or inanimate. He could, if he chose, repair our bodies
miraculously without food; or give us food without the aid of farmers, bakers,
and butchers; or knowledge without the aid of learned men; or convert the
heathen without missionaries. Instead he allows soils and weather and animals
and the muscles, minds, and wills of men to co-operate in the execution of his
will. "God," said Pascal, "instituted prayer in order to lend to
his creatures the dignity of causality." But not only prayer; whenever we
act at all he lends us that dignity. It is not really stranger, nor less
strange, that my prayers should affect the course of events than that my other
actions should do so. They have not advised or changed God's mind—that is, his
overall purpose. But that purpose will be realized in different ways according
to the actions, including prayers, of his creatures.” C.S. Lewis
This is such a great quote as we have really been studying the Old Testament
and how God has moved through people's choices and prayers while remaining
Sovereign in His purpose to redeem His people.
