06.15.08
Scripture – 1 Kings 18, Psalm 134 & James 1-2
Observation – 1 Kings 18:41-46
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 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. 43 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. 44 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.’” 45 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. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.
Application – I read these verses with great excitement and anticipation…I know how it ends…I know the rain comesd, but I get pumped each time I read these verses. I could see myself, like Ahab, running to check on the rain. I would probably have gotten discouraged after looking for the clouds the first couple of times, but how encouraged would I have been when that small cloud started forming! Elijah knew that God was going to send the rain. Elijah told Ahab to go eat and drink, which sounds like Ahab was to be celebrating. I’m sure Ahab knew it, too. I think there are times when God tells me to keep seeking something, but I give up after not finding it the first time. What if I’m supposed to look seven times (or however many number of times), but I give up after only a couple times?
Prayer – Father God, thank you for your powerful word! I pray that you will help me to keep seeking you and seeking your will for my life. Help me to be strong and have faith to see things through. And when I don’t quite find what I’m looking for the first time, please help me to keep looking! I love you, Lord!
