James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for
one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great
power as it is working.
In his book Miracles in Black, Dr. John C. Wengatz tells
of an African convert who was left at a new mission station to carry on the
Lord's work with a cannibal tribe. It was the dry season when Joao Mbaxi took
over, but soon the tropical rains would be coming. Month after month went by,
however, without a cloud appearing in the sky. Then came the time for the
normal dry period. By now everyone was suffering, and many were on the brink of
starvation.
In all the years they had worshiped their ancient gods,
the rains had never failed them, and so Joao was told that he must leave the
country and take "the white man's God" with him. The courageous
Christian refused to go. Then, flushed with anger, the chief sullenly warned,
"If your God is as good as you say and so powerful that He rules the sky,
why doesn't He send us the needed showers? If it doesn't rain by sunrise
tomorrow, we will drink your blood and eat your flesh!"
Recalling the Biblical account of Elijah, Joao went to
his hut and prayed for divine help with the same urgency as that of the ancient
prophet. Meanwhile the members of the tribe waited for the dawn when the
Christian leader would become the victim of their horrible feast. Just before
daylight, thunder was heard in the distance, lightning flashed across the sky,
and abundant rain refreshed the entire region! As a result, Joao was able to
continue his work for Christ.
The prayer of someone who is totally dependent on the
Lord is powerful!
Dear Lord, we are sorry for any sin in your life. Please
help us be people of up good character and be righteous people. In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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