DAY 3: THE FRIEND IN NEED

It is not only our friends' eternal welfare that is in our hands. Through prayer, we also have the privilege of blessing them with God's provision on earth.

Even though God promises to care for all his creatures, we have a role to play. In 1 Kings 18, God sent Elijah to King Ahab with a promise of rain. It would make sense that the rain would just start pouring down if God promised that it would happen, right? But Elijah had a greater part to play.

After delivering the promise, Elijah started praying for rain. I am sure he prayed as never before. If King Ahab did not see rain soon, Elijah would be killed. "So Ahab went to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the top of Mount Carmel and bowed low to the ground and prayed with his face between his knees" (1 Kings 18:42, NLT). After looking for the promised rain seven times, it finally started raining. It might seem like a lot of drama for a God who sends rain to good and evil every day (Matthew 5:45).

There is a good reason why God uses people in his provision plan. Providing for his children's needs is about more than food or clothes or safety. It is a glorious display of his love! By interceding for our friends in need, we bridge the gap to bring God's love to the world. The missing part in the gap between people and God is love!

Do you know someone in need of God's provision? Do you believe that loving the person through intercession may close the gap?

Let us care for each other by activating God's promises through prayer. "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops" (James 5:16-18, NLT).

Scripture readings:

1 Kings 18:41-46

Matthew 5:43-48

James 5:13-18