Word For Today

It hadn’t rained for three years. The land was dry, and the people were starving. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. But there was one man who prayed. An ordinary man, just like you and me—but he had faith in God. He prayed and prayed, without giving up! One day, he saw a very small cloud and knew that God had heard. That afternoon, the rain poured down. (1 Kings 18:44–45)

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
- James 5:17–18

Elijah, who on the surface seemed like an ordinary man, just like you and me, was in fact a man of great faith. He believed in the words of God and waited for His instructions to speak and move in alignment with the Father's will. While he waited, he prayed and cried out without doubting the power of God.

God heard Elijah and He hears you too. In Jeremiah 33:3 we read:

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
- Jeremiah 33:3

When you draw near to the Lord—like Elijah did—with faith, knowing that nothing is impossible for God,He hears you and responds. Remain faithful to God and bring your requests before Him, because at the right time, according to His will, God will act.
Pray fervently and never doubt the power of God.

Discover more here about the Power of Prayer that Will Change Your Life.

According to data from the Christian organization Open Doors, there are more than 365 million Christians around the world who face discrimination, mistreatment, and high levels of persecution simply because they love Jesus. Did you know that? They are people just like you and me, who want to live out their faith freely but cannot.

They walk through the valley of the shadow of death every day. At any moment, a family member could betray them and turn them in to the authorities. A neighbor might set fire to their house or physically attack them. Their boss could fire them, or their school might say they are no longer welcome. Christians endure all this and more every day in many countries.

What can you do for them today? You can pray! Pray to God for the protection of each of His children who live in places where the Christian faith is rejected and hated. Pray for the perseverance of these believers, that they may remain firm in such a hostile environment. You can also pray for God’s supernatural intervention to strengthen and deliver our brothers and sisters.

Choose to stand with your suffering brothers and sisters in prayer. It’s a powerful way to take part in what God is doing around the world.

Would you like to learn how to persevere in the Lord amid persecution and trials? Read: Bible Verses to get you Through Difficult Times