Get Your Raincoat, But Don’t Forget to Pray!
The prophet Elijah had prophesied that there would be no rain for three years in Israel. After a dramatic presentation at Mount Carmel where God made it very clear before Israel who was God, Elijah told Ahab that it was going to rain. He told him this, though there was no cloud in the sky!
41And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.
42So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,1 Kings 18:41-42
Elijah had just seen a glorious demonstration of the power of God, he could have been arrogant and decided that he did not have to pray – that he only had to “speak the word” and it was so. But that was not the course of action that Elijah took:
43And 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.
44And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down that the rain stop thee not. 1 Kings 18:43-44
Elijah had spoken the word which came to pass that there would be no rain for three years in Israel, and then spoke it again and said there would be rain, but after speaking that word he went into prayer and prayed, seven times!
How often do we hear a Word, or receive a Word from God and then go on vacation, waiting for it to happen. It is when we are on our spiritual “highs” that we need to pray all the more! Many churches participate in a time of prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year – a wonderful way to begin the year – the benefits to one’s spirit is usually an exuberant feeling of faith! At these times we need to “get our raincoat,” for God is going to move – but whatever we do, we cannot forget to pray, for when all is said and done, we still have to deal with the Ahabs in our life!
45And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.
46And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. 1Kings 18:45-46
God Bless You,
Maria
This was very inspirational because, as Christians, we often give up if we pray one time and nothing happens.
Great word….many times we forget that the “real” war happens after the fast. Thanks for the reminder to stay in my place ~ between the porch and the altar. Blessings to you!!!