THE MARK OF DISTINCTION
“To arouse one man or woman to the tremendous power of prayer for others, is worth more than the combined activity of a score of average Christians.”
Jas 5:17 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 land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
God made each one of us uniquely. There are certain features or attributes about us that set us apart from everyone else. Certainly, there are things about us that make us like everyone else. Sadly, the most common feature we share, is a sinful nature. The great thing that made Elijah stand out from the rest, was that he earnestly and intentionally prayed.
I have observed several Christians that I greatly admire for the enormous amount of incredible accomplishments they have made. I asked the Lord how they are able to accomplish so many wonderful things for His Kingdom. His answer came quickly, “Tom, they never make excuses why they can’t get things done!” Immediately, I was convicted of excuses I have made to make things lighter on myself.
A number of years ago, I assessed the list of gifts that I have. Boy! That didn’t take long! I realized there are so many things that I am not capable of. The thought hit me “but I can pray.” If I can’t do any else, I can determine to pray. So with that, I realized that I could not come up with a better use of my life. I long to be marked with that distinction. I haven’t arrived by any means but I am seeking this mark more than anything else in life! O God, make us people of earnest and desperate prayer, so that you can accomplish much through us in our short lives here on Earth! In Jesus name! AMEN!
Every blessing!
—Tom