There is a point in the life of every child of God when the appointed time for the fulfilment of a divine promise arrives. We know as a matter of fact that the word of God is yea and amen. We believe that His word is settled in heaven. We are also certain that heaven and earth may pass away but a dot in His word will not pass away unfulfilled. Nevertheless, as the time of fulfilment of a major prophecy approaches, we may become overwhelmed with suspense and anxiety.

This seems to the case of Elijah in today’s reading. Three years before,the prophet had authoritatively declared to king Ahab that there will be no dew nor rain in the land of Israel, except by his word (1 Kings 17:1). Within the three years following that event, God had answered his various requests, and the victory over the prophets of Baal was still fresh in his mind. Yet he knew that if God should send rain at his word, It would be a great accomplishment and the crowning point of his life. It was with this feeling that Elijah approached Mount Carmel for the manifestation of the power of God on the back of God’s promise.

There are important lessons to be learnt from the way the prophet handled the situation. First, he exhibited his faith in the Word of God by confidently giving Ahab the assurance to go and start celebrating the coming of the rain. Next is the prophet’s attitude to prayer. He decided to put his faith into action through fervent prayers. He was not tempted to leave God to fulfil His own promise.

Thirdly, the sound of abundant rain must have been a sign from God to the prophet, because others could not hear it. He received it with joy as a token that his prayer would be answered, and he announced it to the world by faith. The fourth lesson is that, even though his servant told him “there is nothing” six times, he did not allow discouragement to set in. He knew what God told him, and he held onto it tenaciously. Finally, Prophet Elijah persevered in the place of prayer. He said to his servant “go again”, seven times. He continued to watch and pray and finally, there was a great rain. As you tarry in the place of prayer this year, the Lord will answer all your request by fire in Jesus’ Name. Always remember this:

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3

Pastor E.A. Adeboye