Words to Grow On

June 26, 2006

“Prayer and Faith”

by

Margaret Starnes

Scripture I Kings 18: 36 – 39

Have you ever wondered how prayer can be so natural for some and so ,…well, let’s say not so fluent for others?  My mother is a Godly woman who portrayed throughout my life two key things. The first thins was not to worry.  I can’t remember a time when my mother ever worried about anything.  There would be plenty to worry about for a single mother of seven, but for her it was not necessary.  The second thing was her prayer life. It is still today very active. She often said, “God will take care of anything through faith and prayer.” It seems that the two, prayer and faith, go hand in hand.

We can see this in our scripture as well.  Although Elijah was under a great amount of pressure just to live, he had to come out and meet his persecutors face to face with nothing more than a word from God to do it. He had no plan, no army, no training in physical combat just God saying, “Go and present yourself to Ahab.. (18).”  Now Elijah knew that Jezebel would be there as well for no other reason than to destroy the prophet. Once again we see that God proved himself faithful. The sacrifice was made, not only the bull lying on the altar but the sacrifice that Elijah had made. The sacrifice of his faith in God and seeing the impossible made possible. For although Elijah had been out numbered eight hundred and fifty to one, he stood his ground. Although the day was long, he remained strong. Although the water ran and filled the trench, his prayer was answered. As the fire from heaven came down even the water in the trench was consumed. It still amazes me, and Elijah stood there blessed!

Most of us in life have stood before the Lord overwhelmed by the tasks that lies ahead. You may be convinced that the task is far too great for one person. That fact is true. Just remember that what God has called you to do He is faithful to see to its completion. So if the Lord has called you to a programs with empty pockets, getting the money for the program is not your problem. It’s God’s and he will see to it!  If you are being led by the Lord to start a program with no leaders that is not your problem, it’s God’s. He will be faithful to it and bring to you just who he wants to lead in the program.  Yes, there will always be those that will try to put out the first before it is even ignited. But stand strong as Elijah did those may years ago. Even as they brought the water the third time he was saying, “bring it on, bring it on!”  And God was still victorious. He is still ruler today even against what may seem impossible. Can you hear the words of the people as they saw the fire from heaven come down and consume the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the soil and the water?  “The Lord – He is God!  The Lord – He is God!”  God is faithful!  Prayer is a vital part of life to those who treasure their faith. Pray daily and it can be as natural for you as it is for others.