Real Life People

Scripture – James 5:17-20: ¹⁷Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. ¹⁹My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, ²⁰remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) “Elijah was a man just like us.” I find it easy to forget that. Elijah did some amazing things (1 Kings 17, 18 & 19). At the same time, he was a person like me. God used him just as God uses me. And the things God did through Elijah were no more miraculous than the things He does through me. I have tendency to “storybook” many of the Biblical characters. That is, I remove them from real life and just think of them as fictional characters. James, one more time, gives this very practical reminder – they were people just like us.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll keep that consciously in mind as I read the Bible. I’ll remember those folks dealt with all the experiences of life I face – doubts, fears, aches, pains joy, celebration, laughter, etc.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me today, Lord, to live real life with you as the author of real life. As I keep my focus on you, use me in whatever ways you would like. Thanks for the life that is mine.