Righteous Confidence

James 5: 13-20

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain; and the earth brought forth her fruit. We often view Elijah as a great hero of faith and never think we can attain the things he did. James tells us Elijah was a man just like us. But he displayed great confidence of faith in God so much that when he prayed for something he knew that God would answer him. In 1 Kings 17 God told Elijah to go by the brook Cherith and I will use the ravens to feed you. Elijah believed God and moved in faith. Then God told Elijah to go to Zarephath and I will use a widow to sustain you. Elijah again believed and moved in faith. Elijah prayed for that same widow's son to be brought back to life and God did it. In 1 Kings 18. Elijah commanded 4 barrels of water be poured on the burnt sacrifice 3 times and prayed that God would consume it by fire and God did it. He also called fire from heaven upon the 50 captains and God did it. Elijah believed God would answer him when he prayed. If we come to pray and doubt God's ability to do what we ask in our prayer, James warns us that we shall not receive anything from the Lord. As we come to God in prayer may we have confidence like Elijah to see God do great things on our behalf. Pray Fervently. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]