The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. - James 5:16 (NASB)
Elijah was a prophet of God in a time when the false deity Baal was worshipped by Ahab, the evil King of Israel, along with his wicked wife Jezebel who led God’s people away from God toward idol worship. God had instructed Elijah to confront the king and warned of a drought because of the king’s belief in false gods. Elijah prayed earnestly for no rain (James 5:17) and there was no rain or dew for three and a half years.
The time came when Elijah had to face the evil king once again despite the fact the king blamed him for the drought and Jezebel had God ‘s prophets killed. Ahab listened to Elijah and brought forth the people of Israel along with the false prophets for a ‘showdown’ on the altar to prove God is the one true God.
God showed up and now Elijah prayed for rain from Mt. Carmel. Elijah could hear rain in the distance, and he sent his servant to look toward the sea and after the seventh time the servant said, “Behold a cloud as small as a man’s hand is coming from the sea.” Elijah knew there would be heavy rain and had the servant warn Ahab to leave the area. “In a little while the sky grew black and there was a heavy shower.” (1 Kings 18:45)
Sometimes God will ask us to do things that stretch us and our comfort. It may not make sense to anyone or even us. Maybe we don’t feel like our prayers make that big of a difference, so we give up praying because the answers don’t come soon enough. What I learned from Elijah is that he trusted God and he obeyed God even when others were not living in belief. He expected the drought after praying earnestly and he expected the rain as he listened and waited and watched.
Heavenly Father. Thank You that You reveal Your will through Your words. Thank You for teaching us that when we have a relationship with You, You hear our prayers through our belief and obedience to You. Thank You that You strengthen us in our prayers as we wait in expectation for Your promises.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
Comentarios