It occurred to me today, while vacillating between faith and unbelief for someone who is in a seemingly hopeless and complicated situation that the character, or the nature of the God to whom I make my plea can be described in this one verse: “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy.” (Micah 7:18) (NKJV)

In the book of Micah the prophet weeps for Israel. Andrew Knowles, in “The Bible Guide” describes Israel’s situation in very personal terms, “Violence, greed and betrayal have damaged every relationship – even in the closest families and between the closest friends. The only reliable person is God. She waits for God to hear and save. Even in deep darkness, she believes her God will bring her out into the light – and wipe the sneer from the face of the enemy.”

When I remember my own seasons of despair and abject hopelessness, and how God, in mercy not wrath, brought me out; when I consider the power of God who turned the whole thing around; when I recall my own back-slidings and sinful provocations and measure them against God’s patience and loving-kindness, I shout with Moses, “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11) (ESV)

In a moment, I am filled with faith — a believing assurance that my prayers on behalf of my friend are, in fact, very pleasing to God. He Himself has declared, “I delight to show mercy!”

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)