Righteous Lady, Don’t Stop Praying!
The Word: Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit (James 5:17-18).
Prayerful Contemplation: Elijah, the great prophet, experienced great discouragement and loneliness. At one point, he thought he was the only prophet left serving the Lord, and, hearing that Jezebel had planned to kill him, he fled into the wilderness (1 Kings 19).
The amazing thing is, it was only a short while before this that Elijah had seen God send fire down from heaven! How could it be that he was so discouraged, so soon?
Forgetfulness foils faith, and this is one reason why David constantly commanded his soul to bless the Lord and forget not His benefits (Psalm 103:1-3). It is also the same reason that the Lord told Moses to record what had happened and to recite it as a memorial in the ears of Joshua (Exodus 17:14 – see the entire chapter for context and the whole story). The Lord knew that Moses did not have too much longer to live, and His will was for Joshua to take over where Moses left off. But He also knew what a difficult position Joshua would be getting into and what great shoes he would be trying to fill. God knew that faith cometh by hearing and that Joshua needed faith for the role he was about to take on.
Living in these last days can make depression, dejection and discouragement very tempting emotions. I may feel uneasy about them, but here, James says that Elijah, a human being like myself, and like every other soldier, underwent the same trials that we go through.
I see therefore that tough times are no grounds for me to stop praying, and, if anything, it is one reason why I should pray louder.
Practical Application: A human being – a child of God like myself – cried out to God, and the sky was made like stone and did not shed a drop of rain. This same man prayed again, and fire fell from heaven, and it rained. I have seen God answer my prayers. I should not be so quick to forget those moments. I am made righteous in Christ. Therefore, my prayers, if said effectually and fervently, will avail much, because God is ready and willing to answer my prayers if I ask according to His will.
Memory Verse: The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry (Psalm 34:15)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank and bless You for this reminder that Your desire is to answer my prayer. I thank You for continually teaching me to say prayers that “avail much” according to Your will and for Your glory. May I never stop praying, no matter how hard or discouraging it gets. May I be quick to run to You at all times, and may I ever be ready to spend time before You on behalf of my family, friends, nation and those who are yet to give their lives to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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