“Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.’ So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. And he said to his servant, ‘Go up now, look toward the sea.’ And he went up and looked and said, ‘There is nothing.’ And he said, ‘Go again,’ seven times. And at the seventh time he said, ‘Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’ And he said, ‘Go up, say to Ahab, “Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.”’ And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.” 1 Kings 18:41-46
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” James 5:16b-18
Elijah was an ordinary man, called to prophesy to a nation in turmoil and roiling in rebellion against God. Though targeted by a wicked king, and often alone and bereft, he maintained a deep communion with his God. What could be observed (and pitied) as a drought-stricken life was actually one tinged with the sound of rushing rain. Persistent prayer was his conduit to the flow of God’s grace and provision.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. If anyone is cheerful? Let him sing praise. Whatever a current situation- anguish of soul or exhilaration, bleak forecast or the benediction of a day- we can stay connected and filled with holy rain by prayer. It may thunder and surge, it may drop in near silence, but the rush is sure when communion with the Source stays intact. (James 5:13)
As we pray, the Lord not only actively hears but is already answering. He knows our needs before we ask, and teaches us of His great heart and care, and the gifts of patience and faith, when we exercise ongoing, persistent prayer. There’s a mysterious supernatural divine knowing, a settling of soul and awakening of expectancy, when we keep on. (Daniel 9:20-23; Matthew 6:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
With the harsh press of life issues, behemoth responsibilities in work and home, where do we draw direction and supply? Are we prone to freeze, or charge ahead, or give up? Resting in and trusting the bountiful nature of God gives impetus to walk forward in faith at each instruction. Knowing His promises opens our ears to the sound of His rain. (Psalm 103:1-8)
Will we keep on in prayer? Would we put away doubt and a fainting heart to listen for the sound of God’s rain?
Lord, help me continue in grateful, expectant prayer so I may know You better and glorify Your name.
As the rain and snow 