When God listens to a Man - Umberto Saba - Bog

Times of affluence are invariably followed by widespread rebellion to God's laws. History repeats itself, or is not history, and so too does the conduct of all peoples. Rebellion is a serious matter, and is invariably followed by decadence and eventual judgment. We in the West are about to pay the price for our transgressions. But God has made grace available to the rebels at the request of someone who is unselfish enough to stand in His presence on their behalf and take upon himself their sins. If you cry out for mercy and change of heart, He will grant them, and many will be saved. But greater sins generally require longer years of supplication, during which you seem to receive no answer. If you don't expect this, you may be discouraged and give up. But God is faithful, and does not fail to answer, for He always prefers mercy to judgment. The added benefit is that you, the intercessor, will grow in stature and character by sheer persistence. God takes more notice of your supplication than He does of any sin committed by anybody, and does not allow the transgressor to be lost forever. Never say that "it is the sinner's decision to go to hell": choose instead to cry out to God till he makes the right decision!