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Humble, Persevering Prayer, April 13
Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly
that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
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space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave
rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
James 5:17, 18
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Important lessons are presented to us in the experience of Elijah. When upon
Mount Carmel he offered the prayer for rain, his faith was tested, but he persevered
in making known his request unto God.
The servant watched while Elijah prayed. Six times he returned from the
watch, saying, There is nothing, no cloud, no sign of rain. But the prophet did not
give up in discouragement. He kept reviewing his life, to see where he had failed
to honor God.... As he searched his heart, he seemed to be less and less, both in
his own estimation and in the sight of God. It seemed to him that he was nothing,
and that God was everything; and when he reached the point of renouncing self,
while he clung to the Saviour as his only strength and righteousness, the answer
came. The servant appeared, and said, “Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of
the sea, like a man’s hand.”
1 Kings 18:34
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We have a God whose ear is not closed to our petitions; and if we prove His
word, He will honor our faith. He wants us to have all our interests interwoven
with His interests, and then He can safely bless us; for we shall not then take glory
to self when the blessing is ours, but shall render all the praise to God. God does
not always answer our prayers the first time we call upon Him; for should He
do this, we might take it for granted that we had a right to all the blessings and
favors He bestowed upon us. Instead of searching our hearts to see if any evil was
entertained by us, any sin indulged, we should become careless, and fail to realize
our dependence upon Him....
Elijah humbled himself until he was in a condition where he would not take
the glory to himself. This is the condition upon which the Lord hears prayer, for
then we shall give the praise to Him.... God alone is worthy to be glorified.
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