Availeth Much

This is my last evening on the plains of Oklahoma. There is a gentle breeze where I sit and gaze at the field that seems to be unending. I am in awe of our mighty Savior and amazed by what only He can do. These last few days I have had the opportunity to be a part of a women’s conference here. Having front row seats to God’s wonder-working power always causes me to walk away with a new revelation of who God is and what only He can do.

I watched a grandmother who had been faithfully praying for her granddaughter’s salvation for years, answered Friday night. As her granddaughter was crying in the freedom that only Jesus can bring, I looked at the grandmother and nothing, but pure joy was written all over her face. I could almost feel the angels rejoicing as a prayer that has been prayed for many, many years, was answered.

A few years ago, I got to witness my aunt bowing and rejoicing before the Lord on her living room floor because He answered her prayer for her daughter. She was the prodigal child that had come back home, and to see the celebration of an answered prayer on that mother’s face will be a memory I will forever hold onto. 

I tell you these stories for no other reason than to say, never stop praying for your loved ones. It’s easy to get discouraged from unanswered prayers for the ones we love and hold dear to our hearts, but “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). The word availeth in Greek is translated as “is able, “is capable,” or “has the power.”  Our God is able, capable and has the power to answer our prayers. This can sometimes make people frustrated as some of you have prayed for years, and still see unanswered prayers, but I feel a stirring to encourage you not to give up! If you have been praying fervently for 20+ years, this could be a time you might want to give up, but God would say to be fervent; to pray passionately with faith and thanksgiving. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be CONSTANT in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

When we put on our Heavenly goggles and see our lifetime as though we are just passing through, what is the sacrifice we are willing to make in our prayer time? A lifetime of prayer for one soul? A lifetime of prayer for one healing? A lifetime of prayer for one freedom of bondage? Well, sometimes it might take just that, a lifetime, but isn’t that time worth that one life? This weekend I witnessed a beautiful, answered prayer and God has reminded me in my faith, not to give up on our faithful prayers for our loved ones.  He hears every word, and in His time, your prayer will availeth much.