Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 28– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

[Elijah said to his servant,] “Go again seven times.”

—1 Kings 18:43

Success is certain when the Lord has promised it. Although you may have pleaded month after month without evidence of any answer, it is impossible for the Lord not to hear his people when they are earnest in matters which concern His glory. The prophet Elijah on the top of Mt. Carmel continued to wrestle with God and never for a moment gave way to a fear that he was not suited to serve in Jehovah’s courts. Six times Elijah’s servant went to look at the sky for signs of rain and returned to announce, “Nothing yet.”  But on each occasion, Elijah only told him, “Go again.”

We must not entertain unbelief but hold to our faith even to seventy times seven. Faith sends expectant hope to the brow of the mountain, and, if nothing is seen, she sends again and again. So far from being crushed by repeated disappointment, she is animated to plead more fervently with God. Our faith may be humbled but not embarrassed; our groans deeper but never ceasing. We would much prefer a speedy answer, but believing souls have learned to submit, finding it good to wait for, as well as upon, the Lord. Delayed answers cause the heart to search itself, and this leads to contrition and spiritual reformation. The greatest danger is fainting and missing the blessing. Dear reader, do not fall into that sin, but continue in prayer and watching.

Finally, the servant did see the little cloud on the horizon, and it was the forerunner of torrents of rain. Even so with you, tokens of good will surely be given, and you will rise as a prevailing prince to enjoy the mercy you have sought. Elijah was a man of like passions with us; his power with God did not lie in his own abilities. If his believing prayer was successful, why not yours? Plead the precious blood with unceasing persistence, and it will be given to you according to your desire.” [M&E]