Powerful through Prayer
James 5:17-18
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain in the land. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.
Elijah was a prophet who saw what should be and spoke against what was wrong. He rebuked Ahab, and Ahab sought to destroy him. Through prayer, Elijah heard from God and challenged the prophets of Baal. God responded to Elijah’s sacrifice alone, proving He was the God of Israel, and Elijah slaughtered the ungodly prophets after proving them fools. Angered, Jezebel threatened him and sought to destroy him, forcing Elijah to hide in caves for survival.
Elijah was not popular with the establishment, but he was powerful. He was not wealthy and at one time had to depend upon a poor widow for a meal. He was isolated and depressed and thought he was the only one who had not fallen prey to Baal worship. God, Himself, assured him otherwise. He was silenced and suppressed by those in power, yet he had an anointing so great that Elisha wanted a double portion of it. The strength of Elijah’s anointing was found in prayer. He was a man who heard from God because he prayed to God.
Through prayer, we have direct access to the Father. If you are a child of God through the blood of Jesus Christ, you are an heir to His promises. Never underestimate the power of prayer in overcoming anything this world or the Devil may throw at you. Your strength is in your ability to pray and ask the Father for anything. Don’t hold back! Take every heartache, every need, every concern, every fear, every praise before the throne of grace and ask your Father for what your heart craves. He longs to fill it because He put the longing there.
Don’t let the news upset you. Pray. Don’t allow politics to steal your joy. Pray. Don’t give up. Pray. Prayer is the most powerful weapon you have against the enemy, and he will do all he can to discourage you from using it. He wants you to think God doesn’t care and is not listening to you. The Devil is a liar! Use your weapon and destroy his work in your life!
At times I feel as if I am powerless. In fact, I’ve cried out to God MANY times lately because all I know how to do is pray. My strength, however, is in prayer. If that is all I know to do, then I will pray. I may be powerless, but my God isn’t!
Psalm 68:35
God, You are awe-inspiring in Your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. May God be praised.
Have a blessed day!