Post by sunflower on Oct 6, 2010 16:03:07 GMT -6
Waiting for the Rain.
For many years, there had been a famine in the land of Samaria.
Wadis was very dry, cattle were dying, crops were destroyed. In I KIngs 18, after God, through Elijah, had defeated the prophets of Baal, Elijah began to pray for rain. On top of Mt. Carmel, Elijah got on his face to petition God. Six times the servant replied, "There's nothing" (18:43). Eligah kept praying expectantly; on the seventh trip, the servant reported there was a cloud "as small as a man's hand coming from the sea" (18:44). and then rained. In face, the Bible says "there was a downpour" (18:45).
I have been looking for a wisp of a cloud, hoping to get some rain, don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the beautiful days and some cooler weather, but it is so dry. Elijah didn't give up on prayer and God did answer his prayer. But giving up on prayer, being discouraged when answers don't come, isn't the way God wants me to live. Giving up is based on sight, not faith. Giving up doesn't give God time to work, both in the circumstances and in my heart. And giving up doesn't teach me to hold my Savior's hand when times are dark.
Patience in prayer. It's difficult to wait sometimes, especially when we are so desperate for His aid, His guidance, His answer. But Jesus tells us to ask.....search....knock" (Luke 11:9). Giving up, complaining, being angry----all these are just not options for us. Besides, these responses give the enemy a toehold to speak lies into our hearts. Let's keep knocking on heaven's door, patiently waiting for our Father's perfect plan. His perfect timing, to unfold. He is always working, always for our best.
Lord, help me to know that you are doing something beautiful in me. Being patient, waiting for the rain, isn't easy, so hold my hand Jesus, when I can't see. I know that you are able to answer the prayers for my family. Amen
Love to all
Norma
For many years, there had been a famine in the land of Samaria.
Wadis was very dry, cattle were dying, crops were destroyed. In I KIngs 18, after God, through Elijah, had defeated the prophets of Baal, Elijah began to pray for rain. On top of Mt. Carmel, Elijah got on his face to petition God. Six times the servant replied, "There's nothing" (18:43). Eligah kept praying expectantly; on the seventh trip, the servant reported there was a cloud "as small as a man's hand coming from the sea" (18:44). and then rained. In face, the Bible says "there was a downpour" (18:45).
I have been looking for a wisp of a cloud, hoping to get some rain, don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the beautiful days and some cooler weather, but it is so dry. Elijah didn't give up on prayer and God did answer his prayer. But giving up on prayer, being discouraged when answers don't come, isn't the way God wants me to live. Giving up is based on sight, not faith. Giving up doesn't give God time to work, both in the circumstances and in my heart. And giving up doesn't teach me to hold my Savior's hand when times are dark.
Patience in prayer. It's difficult to wait sometimes, especially when we are so desperate for His aid, His guidance, His answer. But Jesus tells us to ask.....search....knock" (Luke 11:9). Giving up, complaining, being angry----all these are just not options for us. Besides, these responses give the enemy a toehold to speak lies into our hearts. Let's keep knocking on heaven's door, patiently waiting for our Father's perfect plan. His perfect timing, to unfold. He is always working, always for our best.
Lord, help me to know that you are doing something beautiful in me. Being patient, waiting for the rain, isn't easy, so hold my hand Jesus, when I can't see. I know that you are able to answer the prayers for my family. Amen
Love to all
Norma