“There is nothing more hopeful than the thought that things can be different, we can move mountains, and have some role in bringing that change about.”- John Eldredge
“After a long time, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: ‘Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.”- 1 Kings 18:1
As John Eldredge concludes Chapter 1 of Moving Mountains, he states that God, in His sovereignty, “created a world in which the choices of men and angels matter.” Pascal referred to this as “the dignity of causation.” Our choices have significant consequences.
Mr. Eldredge references the biblical account of Elijah, Ahab, and the prophets of Baal (1 KIngs18). Following the defeat of the prophets of Baal, Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel and prayer for rain- eight rounds worth of prayer. Although it is certain that God will come through, God insists on Elijah’s participation. As Augustine once wrote, “Without God, we cannot, and without us, He will not.”
John points out that James, the brother of Jesus, makes a staggering connection in James Chapter 5- you are no different than Elijah:
“That was his [James’] purpose in using the phrase, ‘Elijah was a man just like us.’ James was trying to disarm that religious posture that often poisons the value of biblical stories: Well sure, that was so-and-so [in this case Elijah], and they were different than us. Nope. Not the case. Actually, James makes it very clear: Elijah was a human being just like you. In other words, you can do it too (emphasis John’s).”
Today’s question: How can prayer help you sustain the thought that things can be different? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “We are all underway”