Grace Journey Church

How Can I?

The Lord Himself turned to Gideon & said, “You have the strength. Deliver (them). I…sent you.”
Gideon said, “How can I? Weakest clan...youngest kid.”
The Lord said, “Ah, but I will be with you!" Jg 6:14-16

After this, Gideon never again questioned the strength or ability Father gave. He only questioned if he was hearing accurately.
Why?
Because Gideon's strength and ability were Him with him…Him in him.

Once you know the assignment rest, it's not you…it’s Him and His ability in and through you.

Effective Prayers

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Jas‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬b

Many quote this portion of Scripture to encourage others in their personal, private prayer lives. While that may be one application it misses the context by a large margin.

In verses 13-14 “among you” is plural. Had James been in the Southern US it would read “among y’all.” Further, “let him pray, let him sing, let him call, let them pray” are each an imperative command. And who is this “them” we are commanded to call to pray? The elders of the church.

The point being, these commands are clearly placed within the context of a church, not an individual’s personal devotional prayers apart from other Christians. Further, the impact of these commands…save the sick, raised up, forgiveness…occur only in the context of church relationships. In fact, obeying this Scripture and receiving its promise is simply impossible without connection to a specific local body. But…there is more here…

The first part of verse 16 reads, “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Again, “confess” and “pray” are both plural imperatives. The one verb that isn’t a command is “healed.” It is in the subjunctive…the voice of possibility.

The point? Our most effective prayers are not the prayers we pray for ourselves or others in our private, secluded prayer closet but are those prayed for others in relational community with other believers.

Want to pray those fervent effective prayers? They’re waiting to be prayed by you…in relationships…in and with church.