1 Kings 18:1

New International Version (NIV)

After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.”

For meditation

How long has your life felt dry or difficult (1 Kings 18:1)? How much has this season affected your home, work, or relationships?

Even though things have been hard for a long time, think about how God has still cared for you. Even in tough moments, you have received His care and the gift of life.

What you have right now might not be what you hoped for, but God has kept you going. He gives you what He knows you need until things get better. Try to open your heart to see if there is a purpose in your struggles.

Think about how God gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness until they reached Canaan (Exodus 16:1-30). God gave them just what they needed, as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:15, to show them that He is the LORD their God (Deuteronomy 29:4-6).

When life is hard, keep your faith strong and trust in our gracious and caring God. He can bring rain even in the toughest times. Wait patiently for Him to work in your life (Isaiah 40:31).

When the three-and-a-half-year drought that Elisha declared over Israel ended, God sent a heavy rain (1 Kings 18:45) to confirm their renewed faith that “the Lord – He is God” (39). It happened right away. That shows the power and faithfulness of the Lord.

I hope you hear God’s voice during these hard times, even if He leads you somewhere unexpected, as He did with Elijah at the brook in the Kerith Ravine (1 Kings 17:3) and with the widow of Zarephath in Sidon (1 Kings 17:9). The rain will come, but for now, trust that He is taking care of you.

Let your faith and obedience encourage others (1 Kings 18:2-15). May God show His glory in your life as He did on Mt. Carmel (16-40). I pray He sends you refreshing rain, helps you overcome every challenge (45-46), and leads you to your next step (19:1-21).

Pray with Me

You are the God who calls for a drought and sends the rain in your time without fail. Thank you for your love and mercy when we deserve only wrath. Receive glory in my season of failure and dryness in my life, through Christ Jesus. Amen!

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