As James wrote to Christians going through trying times (James 1:1-4) he encouraged them regarding the power of prayer. We read. . .
“(16) Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (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 5:16-18 ESV)
Though Elijah was a faithful prophet of God, he was noted as being just another human being. In light of the great power of the prayer of the righteous, we see Elijah prayed and things happened. James’ encouragement to the readers of his day — as well as us — was that the prayer of faith is powerful. Let that encourage us to pray. Let that encourage us to look to God in trusting faith for His power to work. Let that encourage us to pray knowing He is attentive to our prayers. (i.e. 1 John 5:14-15) However, could we also do well to consider the impact of the lack of faith regarding this power to work?
Consider what Jesus faced in His hometown of Nazareth (Mark 6:1-4) and what was noted about His work there. We read. . .
“(5) And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. (6) And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.” (Mark 6:5-6 ESV)
Mark did not state Jesus was unwilling. The Greek is “ouk edunato” meaning “not he was able”. For them, the power was not there; it was their lack of faith and acceptance of Him that kept Him from doing the mighty work He had done other places. There were those who were open and were touched by Him, but it appears most were unwilling to believe.
This is something to which I (and you) would do well to give some thought. Could my lack of faith be negatively impacting the power of God to work in and through my life? That is something for me to consider as I am urged to grow in my faith in Him as I trust — regardless of what might be going on in this world — His purpose will ultimately prevail. (Proverbs 19:21)
Let us guard against the lack of faith limiting the Divine power to be worked in and through us while we are encouraged by the power of faith in trusting the God to Whom we unceasingly pray! Let us remember that with Him all things are possible! (Mark 10:26)
Have a great day KEEPING THE FAITH IN THE POWER OF GOD!
Carl
