Dare to Believe

Kings 18:42-45

" Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bowed deeply in prayer, his face between his knees. Then he said to his young servant, "On your feet now! Look toward the sea."
He went, looked, and reported back, "I don't see a thing."
"Keep looking," said Elijah, "seven times if necessary."
And sure enough, the seventh time he said, "Oh yes, a cloud! But very small, no bigger than someone's hand, rising out of the sea."

Things happened fast. The sky grew black with wind-driven clouds, and then a huge cloudburst of rain..."

Elijah was believing for rain for Israel.... what are you believing for today?

Elijah was told by God that He was getting ready to release rain on the dry land of Israel. Although the signs of rain were no where to be seen, Elijah dared to believe the word of the Lord. I love the picture that the Bible paints of Elijah "bowed deeply in prayer," praying for the deliverance of rain to come to Israel, believing for the rain, having faith in the word the Lord had spoken to him. He had so much faith that he kept sending his servant to keep a look out for the cloud that was going to bring the refreshment that the land needed. Finally, after sending the servant boy out 7 times to look for rain.... the smallest of clouds formed. That was it the visual sign of the promised deliverance.

So many times in our lives God speaks to us and then we are left in the position of Elijah.... a position in which we need to dare to believe that God will fulfill his promise to you. Recently in prayer, I have heard the voice of the Lord say that revival is coming.... now I pray and believe. I pray that our community will be revived! I pray that they will come to know the Lord in a personal, real way. I pray that Christians will look beyond their own needs to the needs of those around them. I pray that signs and wonders will begin to be the norm in the lives of believers. I dare to believe....

I am thankful that the Bible says that, "Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bowed deeply in prayer." Elijah was praying by himself.... he didn't have a crowd with him. It was he and the Lord. One man made a huge difference in Israel! You can make a huge difference in your world. It doesn't take a large group to see a miracle happen.... only one person surrendered to God, daring to believe the promises that he has spoken.

I will keep praying.... just me and Jesus. I will dare to believe for the rain!