James 5:17

"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 3 years and 6 months."

Have you ever read the bible and wondered, how did those great men of God accomplish all those incredible things? I have. How did Samson slay all those men with the jaw bone of an ass? How did David defeat Goliath? How did Paul survive all the beatings, shipwrecks, and torment? Well, I think we have a good answer right here in this verse. Elias, which is another name for Elijah, is the man of the hour here. He was another great man of God who accomplished amazing things. Here's the kicker though. He was just like you and me! It says he was a man of like passions. I like what Albert Barnes notes on the bible had to say about this. He said , "This does not mean that Elijah was passionate in the sense in which that word is now commonly used; that is, that he was excitable or irritable, or that he was the victim of the same corrupt passions and propensities to which other men are subject; but that he was like affected; that he was capable of suffering the same things, or being affected in the same manner." He had the same struggles that you and I have. The difference being, he was tuned into God and knew that his strength came from God. This is also true for us. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. We as Christians I think, have missed the boat on this one big time. How many times have things gone wrong and we go to God after the fact, when we should have gone to Him before. I know I am guilty as charged. Just to know that we are in the same company as men like Elijah, should give us a real hope. It should encourage us that " with God, all things are possible." Matthew 19:26. Just look at what God has accomplished with ordinary men and women over the course of time. The list could go on for ever. The missionaries who brought the gospel to far away people. The pastors who have led countless souls to Christ. On and on and on it goes. What was the main key to Elijah's success? He prayed. That is the link that needs to happen in order for God to be able to do the things He does through us. It's like this. If a football team is playing, they won't be able to execute the game plan if the coach doesn't tell them. The way the coach tells them is they go to the team meetings and practices. That way they can all be on the same page. God wants us to go to Him so He can let us in on the game plan for our lives. We can't expect much if we don't attend. Prayer. Man if that's not the hardest thing to do in our busy lives. Really though, are we saying that we're to busy for God? Basically in a nutshell, yes. That is what we are saying. Life has become so congested with things to occupy our time, we miss out on so much God has for us. Once again, I am guilty as charged. Here's what it comes down to guys. If we want to walk with God, that exactly what we need to do, walk WITH Him. Let Him arrange our footsteps. Let Him be our guide. That's how ordinary people, do extra ordinary things. The bible is filled with them. This week, be encouraged that God has an awesome plan for your life, and He wants you to enjoy your walk, not just endure it. Be blessed.

Bob.