Daily Scripture Reading: James 5:17 KJV
James 5:17 KJV
(17) 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.
Today’s Devotional Is TRANSFORM YOUR PASSION INTO PRAYER
We can easily believe that Elijah was driven by the same passions we are when we read about him. Scripture reveals that his amazing career was not a result of his passion but rather his devotion to prayer. Although Elijah was capable of the same passion and earnestness that we all possess, he refused to use lower energies to achieve his life’s work. Instead, he set himself up to pray for the results he wanted. He had similar passions to us, but he was determined to pray. He converted his passion to prayer.
His strong nature was not lacking in any salient elements. There was passion for patriotism as he was willing to see the sufferings of his people to bring God back to them; tenderness as when the body of the baby was returned to him; righteousness as when the false prophets were killed; love for Nature as when the boy fled into the wilderness to death; devotion to God’s glory as when the young man cried, “I have felt very jealous for the Lord God Of Hosts.” These passions were strong in his breast but, if he had relied only on them, his life-work would be as a mirage on the glistening sandy sand.
Vehement feelings can spread a wonderful contagion. A tiny, feather-like pith-ball can make a suspended iron bar move by constantly impinging on it. The brain can create waves of thought and the heart waves emotion. We must learn to trust God for the results that others try to achieve with their energy. Let us pray more. Let us strive to have a passionate love for our Lord Jesus Christ and the world of men. These words may not be extravagant, but they will make it seem so. Let us then turn the glowing metal to prayer, which may be expressed in a deep silence of intercession or strong cryings and even tears. Let us not be cold and indifferent in this universe of living energy. (Rev_3:15-16.)
PRAYER for Today
Christ, who baptizest us with fire, light in our hearts Thy love so that we are not cold or lukewarm. We wouldn’t trust in our emotions lest they fail, but rather in the power and intercession of Thine prayer. AMEN.