Go to God Boldly!

As I mentioned recently, every morning, as part of my Bible time and prayer, I read several daily devotions, including Regina Clarinda’s “Daily Hope – 365 Devotions for Strength and Peace.” According to her biography, she is a “trained counselor and Christian devotional writer with a deep desire to support and encourage others through gentle words. She writes for people who are hurting, hoping each page brings comfort and understanding.” Here is Regina’s selection for July 5.

Learning from Elijah

“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 years and six months.” (James 5:17, NIV)

We often regard biblical figures as some kind of “super-spiritual” people far greater than us. But the Word of God clearly reminds us: Elijah was an ordinary human—with weaknesses, fears, and failures just like we have. Elijah once felt despair, wanted to give up, and even asked God to take his life. Yet one thing set Elijah apart: he dared to trust in the power of prayer.

When Elijah prayed that no rain would fall, the heavens truly closed up. Not because Elijah was perfect, but because he believed. Elijah did not rely on his own strength; he was close to the Lord and put full trust in Him.

The power of prayer is not reserved for special people. A sincere prayer from a believing heart still holds great power. God is not looking for long prayers full of beautiful words; He seeks a surrendered heart that is convinced that what looks impossible to humans is still possible with Him.

We are called to come to God boldly. Never feel that your request is too small or too large. God never grows tired of hearing your prayers. He delights when you depend fully on Him.

Perhaps your prayer will not be answered tomorrow, but delay is not denial. Stop indulging in self-pity, and do not let the voice of doubt steal your hope. Keep hoping, keep believing—God hears your prayers. He sees your tears. He knows your burden. And He is working, even when you cannot yet see the result.

You may feel unworthy to be heard by God, but remember: Elijah once felt afraid, failed, and small—yet God still answered his prayer. He can do the same for you.

The Bible is clear: Elijah was an ordinary person who put all his faith and trust in an extra-ordinary God. As a result, he experienced some very dramatic miracles. It was not about Elijah’s power and abilities; it was about the Lord’s.

Almost 2900 years have passed since then, but the truth is still the same today: If we, as ordinary men and women, will put all our faith and trust in the Lord, we can experience dramatic supernatural intervention also. What miracle do you need: physical healing, financial provision, guidance and direction, salvation of loved ones? The glorious news is that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What He did for Elijah then, He can do for us today. We might be weak and ineffective, but His power and authority and supremacy have not changed. He is the Conquering King! He is Large and in Charge!

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This Sunday, March 1, we will continue our series entitled “Step Out in Faith!” with “ELIJAH: Faith to Restore a Nation!” (1 Kings 17-19). Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us – either in person or online!

The “Celebration of Life” service for Gloria Chang will be Saturday, March 7, at 10am here at Honolulu AG. It will be followed by lunch in the church Fellowship Hall.

Aloha ke Akua!