SWHW Bible Reading Plan - Year 2 January 2021Sample

January 15

Top Takeaway from Malinda Fuller:

James tells us repeatedly in this chapter to pray:

"If you're suffering, pray."

"If you're cheerful, sing your thanks."

"If you're sick, ask others to pray with you."

"If you need to be forgiven of sins, confess to someone else in prayer."

And then James tells us that "the prayer of a righteous person has great power" (James 5:16).

And then, just so everyone is clear, he reminds his readers of Elijah, who was "a man with a nature just like ours" (James 5:17). Elijah prayed for there to be no rain, "and for three years and six months, it did not rain on the earth" (James 5:18).

Imagine doing that: asking God to shift the weather! To cause a drought! But even more—"Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit" (James 5:18).

Elijah saw weather patterns change. What would it feel like to watch the results of your prayer bringing life to a drought-stricken land?

To see the earth bearing fruit after years of being barren. 

To see your prayers move the hand of God.

You may not need to see rain, but perhaps you need a miracle of equal size:

• financial provision
• physical or emotional healing
• a mended relationship
• the refreshing feeling of hope

Perhaps you've been in your own three-and-a-half-year story, and you're asking God to open the heavens and bring the rain.

Continue to believe.

Continue to gather others to pray.

Continue to be the person who walks in "right relationship with God"—that's what it means to be a "righteous person" (and why James included the prayer of confession of our sins to other people).

Elijah was a regular man who continued to go to God with giant requests. He asked for a drought. Then he asked for rain. And God responded both times.

James tells us that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

There isn't a disclaimer. James doesn't say that "we have to catch God at a good time or in a good mood." We don't come to God in prayer, wondering if He's listening; we know He is. We don't need to worry that His supply to help us will run out; we know He is good, He is generous, and He is always working on our behalf.

God didn't reprimand Elijah or scoff because the request was so grand. He didn't tell Elijah to come back later, after he'd matured in his faith, or had more life experience, or could pray in multiple languages. 

Elijah, a regular man, moved the hand of God. His belief in what God could do, his right-standing with God, and his fervent prayers shifted weather patterns! What else is God hoping we will ask Him for?

Father, thank You for always listening when I bring my requests to You. Please help me to align my will with Yours, to agree with what You want. Give me faith to believe for what I cannot see right now, no matter how big or crazy the request. May I always live in right-standing with You and with a desire to remain in prayer. Amen.