Breakthrough

1 Kings 18:41 - "Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rainstorm.'"

Elijah has just won the contest on Mount Carmel. God answered by fire by consuming the whole sacrifice, including the wood, the stones, the soil and even the water in the trench surrounding the altar. All the people watching fell down on their faces and declared, "The LORD - He is God!" (Interestingly, this is also the meaning of Elijah's name - the LORD is God.)

There had been no rain for three and a half years, but God had told Elijah that He was going to break the drought, so Elijah told Ahab that it was time to eat and drink, partly in celebration of the fact that the season of famine was coming to an end, and partly because Ahab would need strength to ride his chariot furiously before the rain stopped him. It seems that Elijah only heard the sound of rain in the spirit. In the natural, there was no indication that rain was on its way. Elijah had to send his servant out seven times to see whether there was even a single cloud in the sky. Even on the seventh occasion, there was only one very small solitary cloud, but that confirmed to Elijah that God was keeping His word.

We all need a breakthrough at various times. It may seem that nothing has transpired since we first started to pray as far back as we can remember, but as we persevere in prayer, perhaps for many years, there comes a time when, all of a sudden, we begin to see a change in our circumstances. It may begin as a very small sign, but let's not despise the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10). Rather, let's stand firm in our faith and wait patiently for God to bring great blessing from small beginnings.

Elijah's successor, Elisha, proclaimed a similar cessation of famine, when Samaria was being besieged by the Syrians. At that time, one of the king's chief officials mocked Elisha by saying, "Really? Even if the Lord were to open the windows of heaven, could this happen?" (2 Kings 7:1-20). Nevertheless, Elisha's prophecy was fulfilled the very next day. So, God does open the windows of heaven, and it can happen completely out of the blue, when we least expect it.

There may be areas in our own individual lives, or in the life of our church and nation, where we are seeking a spiritual breakthrough. Let's continue to petition heaven. Let's hold onto God's promises, all of which are Yes and Amen in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Let's encourage ourselves by the words of this song by Noel Robinson:

Rain, rain on me

Open the windows of heaven

Open up the heavens, pouring out a blessing

Lord we need refreshing till it overflows

It's raining, it's pouring

I hear the sound of revival rain

Prayer

"Father God, You are unstoppable, unconquerable, unrestrainable. You are almighty, omnipotent, all-powerful. You are a God of wonders. You are still working miracles. You move in mysterious ways, Your wonders to perform.

"Our God is an awesome God; He reigns from heaven above with wisdom, power and love: our God is an awesome God." Lord, we are looking to You to open the windows of heaven, to release Your floodgates of blessing, provision and favour upon us. As much as we need that breakthrough in our individual lives, we also need it in the church, in our city, and in our nation. We need the supernatural power of Your Holy Spirit to be evident among us. We need Your merciful love and compassion to rain down on our government, on our economy, on our health service, on our education sector, and on our judicial system. You are our only hope, Lord. You are the only One who can save us. For Jesus' sake and for His glory and honour. Amen!"