The possibilities are mind-boggling. The more you read about what he did, the more you are astonished when you consider that "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours" (James 5:17).
We read in 1 Kings seventeen that Elijah declared the beginning of a great drought; was miraculously fed by ravens; multiplied a widow's food supply; and even raised her son from the dead. Are these exact capabilities available to us? A clear answer is not given, but we are reminded that he was a man "with a nature like ours". He was no superman, invested with powers beyond the capabilities of average humans, but a living, breathing human just like us. James reminds us that "he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit" (James 5:17-18). His nature, similar to ours, was that he was a man of faith and prayer, and our Father brought forth astonishing things through him.
What might God accomplish through a people fully dedicated to Him in faith and prayer? The Book of Acts is an excellent primer. While this book is considered to be "The Acts of the Apostles", it is, in reality, the acts of the risen Christ in and through His people, through the power of Holy Spirit. People with "a nature like ours".
The easiest thing in this sin-hardened and depraved world is to become cynical, but the flicker of faith and prayer is a "pilot light" that cannot be extinguished. At any given moment, through concentrated prayer and faith - with the blessing of the grace of God - the flickering flame can become a blazing fire of mighty deeds that glorify God and validate His presence and work.
Kindling faith and prayer on a Monday morning is far more difficult than nurturing despair, but the exciting possibilities of the mighty breakthrough of God are a mere prayer away. Turn to Him in the reckless abandon of faith and prayer, and seek the possibilities that can only exist in and through Him. Like Elijah, the water stream may be dried up (1 Kings 17:7), and the food supply scarce 1 Kings 17:12), but the greatest need provides the greatest opportunity for Yahweh God to demonstrate Who He is, and what He alone can do.
May the depths and urgency of our needs today be overwhelmingly overshadowed by the works and supply of our matchless Creator and Provider.
Steve
We read in 1 Kings seventeen that Elijah declared the beginning of a great drought; was miraculously fed by ravens; multiplied a widow's food supply; and even raised her son from the dead. Are these exact capabilities available to us? A clear answer is not given, but we are reminded that he was a man "with a nature like ours". He was no superman, invested with powers beyond the capabilities of average humans, but a living, breathing human just like us. James reminds us that "he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit" (James 5:17-18). His nature, similar to ours, was that he was a man of faith and prayer, and our Father brought forth astonishing things through him.
What might God accomplish through a people fully dedicated to Him in faith and prayer? The Book of Acts is an excellent primer. While this book is considered to be "The Acts of the Apostles", it is, in reality, the acts of the risen Christ in and through His people, through the power of Holy Spirit. People with "a nature like ours".
The easiest thing in this sin-hardened and depraved world is to become cynical, but the flicker of faith and prayer is a "pilot light" that cannot be extinguished. At any given moment, through concentrated prayer and faith - with the blessing of the grace of God - the flickering flame can become a blazing fire of mighty deeds that glorify God and validate His presence and work.
Kindling faith and prayer on a Monday morning is far more difficult than nurturing despair, but the exciting possibilities of the mighty breakthrough of God are a mere prayer away. Turn to Him in the reckless abandon of faith and prayer, and seek the possibilities that can only exist in and through Him. Like Elijah, the water stream may be dried up (1 Kings 17:7), and the food supply scarce 1 Kings 17:12), but the greatest need provides the greatest opportunity for Yahweh God to demonstrate Who He is, and what He alone can do.
May the depths and urgency of our needs today be overwhelmingly overshadowed by the works and supply of our matchless Creator and Provider.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:32 AM
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