In the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 400m sprint event the home favourite Matthew Hudson-Smith was so nearly home as he hurtled towards the finishing line. The gold medal was nearly his. Yet then, out of nowhere, a blur zoomed past. Zambian sprinter Muzala Samukonga suddenly found a furious burst of speed—from well behind the race leader—to snatch victory. The crowd’s amazement quickly turned to shock and concern, however. Samukonga collapsed, vomiting and shaking violently. Dangerously exhausted, he was wheeled away for medical care.
The prophet Elijah knew that feeling only too well too. He had just claimed a huge victory against false prophets who were leading Israel astray. “Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God,” he prayed (1 Kings 18:37), and fire rained down from heaven.
But then, as he asked God to end the severe drought, he couldn’t have looked less like a champion. He “bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees” (v. 42). Wearied and weak, Elijah huddled up like a small child. Yet Scripture describes this prayer as “powerful and effective” (See James 5:16–18).
Have you ever felt like Elijah, trying to pray when life’s race has drained you? Powerful prayers rise when we are weakest. For powerful prayers are not prayed by powerful people, but by weak people to their all-powerful God. In weakness, we entrust our needs to the One who can rain both fire and water from the sky (vv. 38, 45). God never lacks power.
Yet as I read this, I can’t help wondering what weakness, exhaustion and need can we bring to God today? I wonder how it encourages you to know that it is He, not you, who makes your prayers powerful?
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, I come before You just as I am: weak, worn out and in desperate need of Your loving care. Please work powerfully in my life today. Amen