“font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;”>I am currently reading my Bible from cover to cover. That shouldn’t surprise anyone except for me, it is a first. I’ve read most of it, studied a lot of it, but not in sequence, chapter by chapter, book by book.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Chronologically, I’m in the Old Testament right now, but I keep reading ahead and as I like to write in my Bible, I am seeing phrases that I really cannot remember why I wrote them at the time. However, I cannot help but think someone or something was trying to get my attention.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>I scribbled a lot in James, particularly James 4: 13-20. I wrote, “Do what you can … let God do what you can’t.” It stunned me and made me stop and think.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>How many times a day do you think you’re in control of things only to have something happen and you realize you have absolutely no control? It can be frightening, frustrating and at times has certainly left me hopeless. However, I also know what it feels like in those rare moments when I actually put things in God’s hands.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Lately it’s been my health. The thing that has made a difference is my belief in the power of prayer. I can’t really say that prayer has healed me physically. But I can say that prayer has indeed healed me mentally. It’s called peace of mind.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>James 4: 13-20 reads: “Is anyone of you in trouble? … Is anyone of you sick? … If you have sinned? … Elijah prayed and the heavens gave him rain and the earth produced its crops.”
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In my handwritten notes, I also wrote, “Speak death to life and life to death situations. I want to say, ‘Look at me.’” I believe the Spirit was trying to tell me, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 4:16).
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>It shouldn’t surprise anyone that I believe in the power of prayer. What I also know is that God’s answer is His, not necessarily the one providing you with what you asked for but, more importantly, what you need. It’s always nice to be reminded that He’s in charge and life still has to be lived in faith.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>But I am a part of a great plan. By my calculation, I’ve been a part of this plan since before time began and after time is no more. And I’m here to tell you, so are you.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>So remember, “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up” (same passage in James). Now you can define “sick” anyway you want to. The answer to whatever ails you is clear. Do what you can, and let God do what you can’t. Trust me. It will help you sleep at night and, remember, joy does come in the morning.
“font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>May God bless and keep you always.
