FRIDAY, AUGUST 5
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.
James 5:17-18 (ESV)
THE MAN: THE LORD USES ORDINARY PEOPLE.
WHAT NOW? LIVE SENT BY THE LORD.
A little boy was walking down the beach, and as he did, he spied a matronly woman sitting under a beach umbrella on the sand. He walked up to her and asked, “Are you a Christian??” “Yes.” “Do you read your Bible every day?” “Yes.” “Do you pray often?” the boy asked next. And again she answered, “Yes.” With that the little boy asked his final question, “Will you hold my quarter while I go swimming?” What do you need to give to God as you head back out into the waters of life? I invite you to establish your trust in Jesus. Lay before Him your needs, your fears, your challenges, your dreams. Give Him you quarters – whatever they may be. (Curry Pikkaart)
This little boy teaches us we can trust God with anything beginning with our lives. James takes the “mystery” out of this man Elijah and “stresses his humanity James thus disarms the natural reaction of his readers that common mortals like themselves could never expect to achieve the prayer results of a grand person like Elijah.” (Hiebert) Elijah in spite of seeing God work in miraculous ways, became fearful and depressed. So Elijah was not “Superman” but a man like all of us (men and women)! He was a sinner infected with “Adam’s sin virus” just like all of us (Ro 5:12). And so at times he acted upon his feelings and emotions just like we do and yet God answered His prayers.
Reflection
Cole emphasized the mission of Northstar is to Live Sent. Have you ever felt unqualified to be sent by God? God expects us to trust Him what little we have and let Him worry about the results.
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Ask God to show you how He would like for you to live sent today.
