The Grands Letter (James/GLJ)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D. on July 4, 2024 5:45 am (CST)Dear Grands,
James 5:17-20, “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.
19 My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back,
20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
A host of errors from a variety of places has brought about misgivings of the Holy Scriptures and the men and women they set before us as spiritual examples. Elijah was one of the foremost examples.
James tells us: “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.” Have you ever prayed that the LORD would not allow it to rain, and have your prayer answered?
Truth be told, it takes a person with exceeding faith to even dare to pray such a prayer. But, you and I have natures just like Elijah’s! Why are our prayers not answered? Elijah’s were! Does the LORD not love us as much as He loves Elijah?
Of course, the LORD loves us as much as He loved Elijah! But our prayers do not demonstrate the faith and perseverance of Elijah’s. He prayed earnestly; we pray spasmodically. His prayers were for God’s glory; our prayers are often simply for our immediate benefit.
We have no written record of the prayers of Elijah. Yet, he prayed for three years and six months that rain would be withheld –and it was! Subsequently, “…he prayed again, and the earth produced its fruit.” Elijah did not give up! He believed thoroughly in the LORD! His persistence in prayer was ultimately honored. Now, dare we ask why our prayers are not answered?
Heartily in Christ Jesus,
(Dado III)
Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America
“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom
