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Carmichael, who served 53 years in India without a furlough. Among countless other ministries, this native of Ireland founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a refuge for orphaned, at risk, and unwanted children. It all started when God touched the heart of an available servant. Perhaps you’re wrestling with a call from God (more on this in chapter 6). Yet you or others around you aren’t sure you’re up for the task. Remember, He’s far more interested in our availability than ability. Warning His disciples of obstacles before sending them out, Jesus said, “When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11). Blessings abound when the Holy Spirit works through us, rather than instead of us or in spite of us. In addition to normal and available, see finally that Elijah was influential, both before God and among people. His influence before God sprang from his prayers. The Bible says, “he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months, then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit” (James 5:17,18). Moses comes to mind when considering faithful servants who influenced God through prayer. When he was atop Mt. Sinai receiving the Law, the Israelites grew impatient, fashioning and worshipping a golden calf. God’s anger burned to such a point that He was ready to destroy these wayward people. Moses then entreated the Lord, recalling His previous promises and asking Him to reconsider. “So the

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