I hear the sound of the abundance of rain. – 1 Kings 18:31This is definitely one of my favorite passages in the bible. As you know, this is the Prophet Elijah speaking. Earlier in the book, the prophet had declared that there would be no rain or dew in the land. He pronounced this judgment because King Ahab worshipped Baal and commanded the people to do the same. The judgment decreed that there would be no rain until the prophet said otherwise.
Fast forward some years and Elijah and King Ahab have a show down. The showdown will not settle who’s smarter, stronger or even who has more courage. This face-off is for the redemption of God’s people. This is where Elijah confronts King Ahab about his worship of the false god Baal. The worship of Baal would be considered the modern day Neopagan religions which worship various gods. Elijah challenges King Ahab and Baal’s priests saying call on your God and I’ll call on mine. The One who answers by fire that’s who we will serve. Talk about having faith! Elijah never questioned whether God would show up. He was confident in God and expected Him to prove Himself; and that’s exactly what God did.
When the people saw that Baal was a no show and that God’s power could not be doubted, the fell down and worshipped the Lord! Then, the prophet decreed that rain would be coming! This is where it gets really good. There had been no rain, probably for years and there stood the prophet decreeing that rain would come. It would not be a shower or a light sprinkle. According to the prophet, there would be abundant rain!
The prophet immediately assumed the position—prayer posture that is. The bible said he had his face to the ground as he cried out to the Lord—as he travailed for the rain to come. He sent his servant to look for signs of the rain. When the servant returned and said there was nothing, Elijah didn’t get bent out of shape, become angry or give up. He kept praying! He continued his worship of the Father. He sent his servant out six more times, and each time he returned with the same report: no clouds.
Many of us might have been tempted to give in the doubt’s whispers. We might have been tempted to second guess whether or not we heard from the God. We might have abandoned the task altogether. Elijah didn’t. When he sent his servant one the seventh time, the servant had a different report. There was a tiny cloud in the distance. Elijah jumped up off the ground and shouted hallelujah!
Worship strengthens our faith. A strong faith can withstand the onslaught of fear, and doubt causing you trust or believe God even in the face of uncertainty. Because Elijah was unwavering in his faith, he was able to witness the redemption of God’s people and God’s abundant provision.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved