Wednesday, May 6, 2009

James 5:13 Is anyone one of you in trouble? He should pray.

I find this scripture to be one of the most enlightening scriptures that has changed my perspective on prayer and as a result, has changed my life.
I write in my book (They Called Me White Jesus) that God does not respond to the things we do like He does the things we ask Him for.
One reason for that is that God wants us to pray for everything we need and desire for God to do in our lives. The bible tells us that we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2).

In this case the bible is instructing us to pray when we are in trouble. Notice that is does not tell us to ask others to pray for you when you are in trouble. It is telling you to pray.

There is nothing wrong with other people praying for you and that will always help but God knew that we would struggle from time to time and He gave us a gift called prayer to tap into His power source to help us when we are in trouble and the only way out of trouble according to James 5:13 is for us to pray.

Notice how we are instructed to ask for prayer when we are sick in James 5:14—Is anyone among you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the person well.
Did you ever wonder why God would instruct us to pray for some things on our own and have others pray for you for other matters?
I know from personal experience that when I pray the way God tells me to pray that I get blessed and something great happens every time I choose to follow the instructional (Bible) manual!
I believe that the bible has a solution for every problem I face and for every time I am in trouble. The solution is found when I activate the power of prayer as a first response instead of a last resort by praying according to James 5:13. When I pray the moment trouble hits, God has a way of showing up, offering His peace until the answer comes, and taking care of 100% of the outcome of every circumstance that I will face as a result of following His instructions.
Psalm 34:17 says: The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Did you notice the word (all) in that promise?
My hope is that you will cast all cares upon Him first through prayer because He cares for you!! 1 Peter 5:7

Be Blessed and Encouraged

2 comments:

  1. Billy,
    I never dreamed this was you. I am so thankful that God got a hold on you! You were always a special person, you just didn't see it yourself.

    I was shocked when I heard this was you and I checked it out for myself. If you can believe it I am a women's ministry leader myself and love serving the Lord.

    Blessings,
    Debbie Sutton Covington
    www.journeyofsisters.blog

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  2. Billy-I am happy that you have found true inner peace. You had a tremendous positive impact on those around you. I just ordered your book and wish you and yours all the best the world has to offer.
    -Ken Savio

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