RAIN-MAKERS WANTED There had been a famine and drought upon the land for three and half years due to Israel’s rebellion. God called the prophet Elijah to pronounce His judgment upon King Ahab and the people due to their idolatry. God finally decided to bless the land once again because of His compassion and mercy. He called Elijah be to His “Rain Maker” upon the land. (Read 1 King 18:41-46)
1 Kings 18:41-46 (New International Version)
41 And Elijah said to Ahab, "Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain." 42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 "Go and look toward the sea," he told his servant. And he went up and looked. "There is nothing there," he said. Seven times Elijah said, "Go back." 44 The seventh time the servant reported, "A cloud as small as a man's hand is rising from the sea." So Elijah said, "Go and tell Ahab, 'Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.' " 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came on and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 46 The power of the LORD came upon Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
The story of Elijah being used by God to send rain on earth was so faith inspiring that James referred to it in His letter to the churches. (James 5:17-18)
17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18
- What would you do if God called you to pray for blessings upon the land?
- Would you have the faith to believe God to send rain after a long period of drought?
- Would you continue to pray for rain even if when the sky seem clear?
Rain Makers are not self -focused but God- focused
Rain did not come easy for Elijah! He is human like you and me but he believed in a supernatural God that can do all things. Sometimes, we can be self-focused by just relying on our own natural abilities and wisdom. We need to partner with the almighty God in this adventure called life on earth. We need to be God focused by seeking His guidance, strength and wisdom.
Rain Makers persist in prayer
Elijah had to persist in prayer and believe God for rain even though the sky was clear. He asked the servant to see if there were any clouds seven times. Eventually, the servant saw a small cloud in the sky the size of a man’s hand. How many times have we been tempted to quit or have quit because we do not receive any answer to our prayers? Elijah waited seven times before he saw a breakthrough in prayer. The breakthroughs that we desire to see maybe are around the corner so don’t give up before God’s appointed time.
Rain Makers stand on the promise of God
Elijah focused on prayer while his servant focused on finding signs of clouds and rain in the sky. They worked together as a team to bring the Word of God into a reality. The Bible says that God’s word will not return in void. (Read Isaiah 55:11)
Isaiah 55:11 (New International Version)
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
God will do what He said and promised. God cannot be mocked. He said to Elijah that there will be rain after the drought. The Bible tells us that the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose; a heavy rain came in verse 45.
Are you willing to let God use you to perform supernatural acts for His glory today? God want to make His fame known to all people of the earth through you and me.
Healing story
I am a new believer who has been struggling with a serious drinking problem. After I went out for prayer for healing on Sunday, I stopped drinking. I also feel strengthened by the Lord and renewal in my spiritual life. It is like I am a brand new person in Christ. Praise God!
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