A man subject to like passions

Bible Reading: James 5
James 5:17-18 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 by the space of three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

Have you ever read of the mighty prophet Elijah in the book of Kings and thought, "Wow! What an incredible man of God. I could never be like that,"? James wants us to know that the mighty Elijah was a man just like us. He struggled with the same flesh we do and he sinned.

The reason Elijah was so mighty was because he was mighty in prayer. James wants us to know that we can pray mighty prayers like Elijah prayed and we can see wonderful answers to prayer like Elijah saw.

He prayed earnestly...
He prayed again...

Prayer was Elijah's secret weapon. He believed God's Word and he asked God to act according to his Word.

Elijah was righteous because of his faith. Just like father Abraham:

Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

The faith of Elijah led him to pray and ask God for mighty things. He was not sinless. He was righteous. And the Bible says righteous men can receive mighty answers to prayer just like Elijah.

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

A righteous man is honest enough to know he sins and will be honest about them. Your prayers are powerful and avail much. They can accomplish great things. If you will believe God and ask in faith, he will answer. James' point here is not the Elijah was a super saint that we could never be like. His point is that he was a man who struggled like we do.

Do you want to see God do great things? Then ask in faith like Elijah!

In Christ,
Rody