“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
“How can you honestly say that your prayers were answered?” Julia asked her older cousin Sharon. “I’ve watched from a little distance, and I know that you have really prayed hard. As far as I can tell, you’ve lived for the Lord and you prayed and you are not any better today. So without being disrespectful,” Julia asked, “how can you honestly say that James 5:16 is true?” With painful difficulty Sharon carefully returned her cup of tea to the saucer on the table. “Oh, Julia, my dear, dear cousin. The Bible is so true. God did answer my prayers. He didn’t change the situation, but He did change me. I’ve learned a new quietness before Him. I have enjoyed a new and sweet fellowship with Him. Julia, this is true. The prayers of the righteous avail very much. Either situations change or those who are praying change. I love Him more today than ever before,” Sharon said with such confidence.
For today: Effectual, fervent prayers coming from the lips of those who are right with the Lord still avail much.