How does this verse encourage trust in God's ability to answer prayers? Verse in focus 1 Kings 17:22: “And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived.” Snapshot of the scene • Elijah, sheltering in Zarephath during a drought, stays with a widow • Her only son dies, plunging the household into hopeless grief • Elijah carries the child to the upper room, stretches himself over the boy three times, and cries out to the LORD • God instantly restores the boy’s life, proving His attentive care God hears the earnest cry • “The LORD listened to the voice of Elijah” — personal, deliberate, engaged listening • Psalm 34:17: “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and He delivers them from all their troubles.” • Trust thrives when the heart knows every plea reaches God’s throne God holds ultimate power over life and death • Human limits end at the grave; divine authority begins there • John 11:43-44 shows the same power when Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb • If God can reverse death, every lesser need rests well within His grasp God responds to persistent, faith-filled intercession • Elijah’s threefold action pictures steadfast pleading rather than half-hearted whispers • James 5:17-18 highlights Elijah as proof that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” • Persistence expresses confidence in God’s willingness, not doubt of His goodness God answers from compassionate love • The widow’s tears mattered; Elijah’s anguish mattered; both stirred God’s heart • Lamentations 3:22-23: His mercies never fail, renewing each dawn • Divine answers flow from mercy, not mere obligation Scripture echoes of assurance • Jeremiah 33:3 — Call, and He shows great and mighty things • Psalm 145:18-19 — He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them • 1 John 5:14-15 — Confidence that asking according to His will means He hears and grants Practical takeaways for everyday trust • Speak openly; Heaven is listening • Recall past answers to fuel present faith • Pray with expectancy, resting in limitless power • Stay steadfast until peace or answer arrives • Lean on God’s compassionate character, certain He is working good even when timing feels slow |
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