Elijah's Example

[Daily Devotional]

Elijah's Example 

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly
that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three
years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the
earth brought forth her fruit. James 5: 17, 18. 

When upon Mount Carmel he [Elijah] offered the prayer for rain (1 Kings 18:
41- 45), his faith was tested, but he persevered in making known his request
unto God. Six times he prayed earnestly, and yet there was no sign that his
petition was granted, but with a strong faith he urged his plea to the
throne of grace. Had he given up in discouragement at the sixth time, his
prayer would not have been answered, but he persevered till the answer came.
We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His
Word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests
interwoven with His interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall
not then take glory to self when the blessing is ours, but shall render all
the praise to God. God does not always answer our prayers the first time we
call upon Him; for should He do this, we might take it for granted that we
had a right to all the blessings and favors He bestowed upon us. Instead of
searching our hearts to see if any evil was entertained by us, any sin
indulged, we should become careless, and fail to recognize our dependence
upon Him, and our need of His help. 

The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the
watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet
did not give up in discouragement . . . . As he searched his heart, he
seemed to be less and less, both in his own estimation and in the sight of
God. . . . And when he reached the point of renouncing self, while he clung
to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer came. The
servant appeared, and said, "Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the
sea, like a man's hand." 

Elijah did not wait for the heavens to gather blackness. In that small
cloud, he beheld by faith an abundance of rain; and he acted in harmony with
his faith. . . . Faith such as this is needed in the world today-- faith
that will lay hold on the promises of God's word, and refuse to let go until
Heaven hears. 

>From God's Amazing Grace - Page 87