An Opportunity to Get Things

In the movie Evan Almighty, Evan Baxter, newly elected to congressman, declares that he will change the world, but he never states how. Their first night in their new house Evens ife, Joan reports that she and the children all prayed together and lists the things they requested. At first Evan dismisses the importance of prayer, but later than night, kneels on the flor beside the bed and asks for God's help too. Soon after, strange things start to happen. Animals start following Evan around. He grows a beard that won't go away no matter how many times he shaves. Tools used in Biblical times, and wood planks, are sent to his house. And the number 614 appears everywhere he goes. Evan soon learns that the number is a verse in the Bible. In the book of Genesis, 6:14 is the verse in which God instructs Noah to build the ark.

Weeks after these events begin to unfold Evans wife leaves him and takes the kids. Then God appears to her as a waiter at a diner, with a name badge that says, "Al Mighty." He tells her that God doesn't give things, he gives the opportunity to get things. For example, God doesn't give a family togetherness, he gives the opportunity for families to be together. Seeing his meaning, Joan returns to Evan to finish the ark together. They grow closer as a family. She trusts him again. The boys think that he's a hero...He saves the National Parks from development...

It challenged me to think, "What could I accomplish today if I allowed God to work through me? What would I like to see?"

Think of something you want to do beyond what you can do, and pray for that.

Author Stormie Omartian says, "Too often we underestimate prayer's power. When you realize that power, you realize you can't afford not to pray. The more you have to do, the more time you should spend praying. And that, in turn, blesses what you're doing."

In the movie it was because of their prayers, the desires of their hearts, that the events began to unfold.

Jesus said, "I came so that [you] may have life, and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). That's the kind of life he desires for us! But our best efforts to break out of our negative patterns can't happen without God's power. And that can't happen without prayer - it's an opportunity to get the things God wants to give us.