Television interviewer and journalist Larry King describes three farmers who gather daily in a field during a horrible drought. The men are down on their knees, looking upward, and praying the skies will open and pour forth a much-needed rain. Unfortunately, the heavens are silent, and the petitioners become discouraged, but they continue to meet every morning to lift up their request to God.
One morning an uninvited stranger approaches and asks the men what they are doing. They respond, “We’re praying for rain.” The newcomer looks at each of them and shakes his head, “No, I don’t think so.”
The first farmer says, “Of course we’re praying. We are down on our knees pleading for rain. Look around, see the drought. We haven’t had rain in more than a year!”
The outsider continues to nod his head and advises them their efforts will never work. The second farmer jumps in and says, “We need the rain; we aren’t asking only for ourselves, but for our families and livestock.”
The man listens, nods, and says he still isn’t impressed. “You’re wasting your time,” he says.
The third farmer can’t take any more, and in anger he says, “Okay, what would you do if you were in our shoes?”
The visitor asks, “You really want to know?”
The three landowners answer, “We really want to know! The future of our farmlands is at stake.”
The guest announces, “I would have brought an umbrella!”
So when you pray, pray boldly to the Lord! He came to eaith; He suffered; He suffered crucifixion. He died for you. With that kind of love for you. Always and ever, when you pray, Pray Boldly!
James 5:16 tells us, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” Are you a righteous person? Have you obeyed the Gospel by confessing your faith in Christ (Mt. 10:32-33), repenting of your sins (Lk. 13:3,5), and putting Christ on in baptism (Mk. 16:16)?
Mark T. Tonkery
Laings church of Christ
Laings, OH