ODJ: just like us
April 10, 2011
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (v.16).
READ: James 5:13-18
One of the many encouraging stories about prayer in the Bible is found near the end of the book of James. As he was wrapping up his letter, he encouraged his readers to pray (5:13). To illustrate his point, he turned to an account from the life of the Old Testament prophet Elijah.
James reminded his audience that Elijah earnestly prayed for God to withhold rain for 3 1/2 years and not a single drop of rain fell on the land during that time (v.17). Then the prophet prayed for rain and God opened up the heavens big-time (v.18).
Two things encourage me as I consider James’ use of Elijah’s dramatic story. First, he started out by saying that Elijah “was as human as we are” (v.17). It’s only a few words, but it counters a lie that often tries to diminish our prayers as it worms its way into our minds: Sure, those kind of prayers may have worked for one of those Bible characters, but not for someone like me.
Our prayers do matter and can be just as effective as any follower of God—even someone whose prayers held back rain for 3-plus years!
The second thing that struck me about Elijah’s story is that our prayers play a role in what God is doing. He could have stopped the rain that triggered a severe famine and started it again without Elijah’s prayers, but He invited Elijah to be a part of the equation.
You may be tempted to think that your prayers are of little value. Don’t ever fall for that lie. Your prayers are powerful! Just ask Elijah. —Jeff Olson
How has your prayer been affected by doubts? What you will do to begin praying more earnestly to God this week?
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I have been blessed by 2days verse. Indeed i have been considering my prayers as weak but now am encouraged. May God bless u abundantly. Amen
Thanks so much Victor! May our good Lord shower His blessings upon you too!