“Will God do what you ask? Perhaps. Or perhaps he will do more than you imagined. Stand firmly on this promise: ‘When a believing person prays, great things happen’ (James 5:17, NCV). You are never without hope, because you are never without prayer.”- Max Lucado
Max Lucado concludes Chapter 5 of Unshakable Hope with more insights on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. First, Pastor Lucado notes that Elijah passionately prayed that God would answer him. Elijah made no request for fire. Rather, Elijah’s prayer revealed his heart. For he desired that Israel would know the LORD is God. And turn their hearts back again.
Therefore, our heavenly Father has a vested interest in our development. When you, as God’s child, seek to honor him, God hears your requests.
So, what should you do when your back is against the wall and all seems hopeless? Max offers these encouraging words:
“. . . you may find yourself in an impossible situation. You’ll feel outnumbered and out maneuvered. You’ll want to quit. Could I ask you, implore you, to memorize this promise and ask God to bring it to mind on that day? Write it where you will find it. Tattoo it, if not on your skin, at least on your heart: ‘When a believing person prays, great things happen.’ Prayer is not the last resort, it is the first step. God has power you’ve never seen, strength you’ve never known.”
In conclusion, God delighted in, as well as answered, Elijah’s prayer. Hence, God delights in our prayers and will answer them.
Today’s question: In the past, when has God done more than you imagined in response to your prayer? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Arrogance – stiffens the knee, hardens the heart”
