Rainy days are on their way. Our calendars declare Spring is here, but maybe you’re in a season of drought where doubt has you discouraged. Do you find yourself dreaming of better days ahead and dancing in the rain? Sometimes it’s easier to just take a nap than deal with our despair. I understand, because waiting on God is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

Friend, if your heart feels hopeless, I have a story for you.

Little clouds of hope lead to dancing in the rain. ~Amy Elaine Martinez

Without a doubt, I’d rather be dancing in the rain than hiding under the bed in fear of the storm. Daring to praise God before the rain isn’t always easy, but things change when we do. Because our worship has the power to change the weather forecast in our spiritual lives. Grab your Bible and a cup of coffee and let’s look at an encouraging word from God.

Key Passage and Verse: 1 Kings 18:41-46 (ESV)

Prayer makes us atmosphere changers.

“Behold, a little cloud like a mans’s hand is rising from the sea.” 1 Kings 18:44

When life requires us to pray through difficult situations in our lives, it’s tempting to give up before we see a breakthrough. Why would God not immediately answer our prayers, especially if they line up with His heart? We know God can do anything, so why does He make us wait before answering? As Elijah was on top of Mount Carmel crying out to God, I imagine he felt the same way.

Three and a half years without rain left the people feeling hopeless.

I’ve experienced dry seasons where I’ve begged God to move with no response from Him. For the first thirteen years of my marriage, I pleaded with God to change my husband’s heart. I knew God desired David’s salvation even more than I. This season of silence left me wondering, Why won’t God answer my prayers? Does God hear me or care about my family? 

Perhaps you’ve asked the same questions. It’s difficult to go long periods without any answers. However, we can endure these seasons because God is faithful to hear us. He is El Roi, the God who sees. He sees our pain and hears our cries for help.

Elijah pressed on until God sent rain in response to his persistent prayers.

Likewise, we can trust God’s answer is on the way.

• God hears our prayers, even when we can’t hear His voice. Though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, Elijah could hear the sound of ‘rushing rain’ in his spirit. (vs 41)
• God cares about our lives and loved ones, even when we can’t see any evidence of His love. Elijah continually asked his servant to check for any sign of clouds. Each time Ahab returned, saying, “There is nothing.” Still, Elijah remained hopeful. (vs 43)
• God is always working behind the scenes, even if His outcome doesn’t match our timetable.

After seven times, there was a glimmer of hope.

Ahab came back saying, “Behold a little cloud is rising…” Finally, Elijah experiences a breakthrough; he sees what he’s been hoping for as ‘the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain.’ Then, Elijah’s hopeful heart began to praise for prayers answered. (vs 43-44)

Elijah’s experience shows us how to pray through dry seasons without losing hope. In hindsight, my years of waiting prepared me to pray for my prodigal’s return and strengthened me to trust God with those I love most. In seasons of silence, we learn to trust God’s timing; then, we remain hopeful while we look for little clouds of hope in the sky. Look up sweet girl, your answer is on its way.

Soon you’ll be dancing in the rain.

Prayer: Lord, I admit the silence and waiting are too much to bear at times. Forgive me for doubting Your goodness. I want to trust You completely. Even when my eyes can’t see Your hand at work, I know You are Faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Are you a Fire Keeper? Listen into this episode of Past to Power with our special guest, Amy Grant.

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