Prior to modern medicine and state of the art hospitals, wives would give birth to their children at home. Without an epidural injection, woman were forced to endure pain until their children came forth. In biblical times, there was no stirrups to separate a woman’s legs to expedite this process. Rather, woman squatted with their elbows spread out on either side, pushing with all their might. This is the position of labor described in the Bible.
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months, James 5:17.
Common sense tells individuals that you can’t give birth unless you are pregnant. While Hollywood will beg to differ, producing films like Junior where Arnold Schwarzenegger gives birth during a scientific experiment, this is not normal. In the same manner, unless you are laboring in prayer, attempting to give birth a miracle, most will become disenfranchised with prayer. Only when the Holy Spirit breathes new life into souls, Romans 10:9-10, can individuals begin to see the spiritual fruit of prayer.
Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit, James 5:18.
Several times in life, I’ve lived by a wing and a prayer, praying only after accidents, emergencies and trials occur. Subsequently, when I don’t receive the answer I desire from these prayers, I’m not surprised because of my position of labor. However, when I am proactive, seeking a hedge of protection from evil, I begin to experience Elijah like results. Therefore, don’t take prayer lightly. Rather, put yourself into the position of labor, persisting in prayer like the widow who never gave up, Luke 18:1-8.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 