Forecasting by Faith

I must admit, that (at the time of writing this) as I have been studying the life of Elijah for this series my faith has been growing in ways I didn’t imagine possible. I keep going back and reflecting on the verse that anchors this series from James 5:17 “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.” Because I see in Elijah, the possibilities of miracles, provision, conversions to Jesus, all in faith and by faith working through people like us. Like him. And so today church I stand here fully convinced that God is able.

Somebody knew it was going to rain today. But in states such as Oklahoma and especially Colorado where I’m from, even though the weather lady gives us the forecast there is the possibility they will get it wrong. Weather can be unpredictable. But somebody knew it was going to rain today. (Run…Doctor said…Teacher said…Parents said…)

Context.

1. Live with Expectancy

(Read v. 41) The brilliance of Elijah and his ability to make things happen with his ministry and in prayer is never because he is made different, but because he has an attitude of expectancy. The power of Elijah is always in his reliance of God’s word. Not his spoken words but the living, spoken, and/or written words of God. If you look at v.1 you will see it there. The expectancy is simply this. God doesn’t miss when it comes to the forecast! What is the God’s forecast? Whatever God has promised.

Abraham believed God’s forecast…Abraham again...

Joseph…Moses…(run)…Mary…Jesus

“I can say like Elijah I hear the sound of rain...”

2. Pray with Humility

Prayer is by default an exercise in humility because when you God to God you must always by virtue of prayer acknowledged God is God and you are not. However your posture in prayer physically and more importantly mentally will demonstrates how humble you are. Elijah just beat the brakes off of the Ahab and the prophets. But instead of standing he kneels down to the earth with his face between his knees. He dares not to look to heaven to gloat but instead he abases himself in the presence of God because he knows all power belongs to God.

Church even on your best day your righteousness is as filthy rags before God. Even your best ethical efforts and moral performances are not enough to deem you worthy. When God chooses to use you for something great your response should always be like Elijah’s with your face to the floor in submission and adoration to God. To God alone be the Glory. We must learn how to deflect our accomplishments to reflect the goodness of God.

3. Wait with Perseverance

But sometimes it doesn’t happen without difficulty and time. (Exegete v.43)

◦ The number 7 means a lot to a lot of people in this world.

▪ If your a mathematician you know 7 is prime number

▪ if your a sailor you know there are 7 seas.

▪ If you are a musician you know there are 7 notes in the diatonic scale

▪ If you are a historical archaeologist you know there are 7 wonders of the world

▪ If you are an astronomer you know there are 7 celestial objects visible to the naked eye.

▪ If you are a biologist than you know all mammals have 7 cervical vertebrae

▪ If your a geographer you know there are 7 continents in the world.

▪ If you are a member of the Oldest, Coldest, and Boldest fraternity than you know Alpha Phi Alpha was founded by 7 Jewels.

· They knew God created the world and rested on the 7th day.

They knew Noah sent out the dove and it came back with a branch on the 7thday

They knew Jacob worked for Rachel 7 years and then anther 7 years for her

They knew after 7 years of famine in Egypt God blessed them with 7 years of plenty

….that God told them to eat unleavened bread during passover for 7 days

…. that 7 lamps burned at the entrance of the tabernacle

….that Naaman was healed from leapercy after he dipped 7 times in the Jordan

…..Jeremiah prophesied the return to the promise land in 70 years

…..God had a remnant of 7000 prophets who had not worshiped Baals

…..7 days of marching around Jericho and 7 times on the 7th day

A small cloud. It starts with a hand.

4. Go with Power