Persistent Prayer: Trusting God's Promises Amidst Silence
Summary
In life, we often face situations where it feels like nothing is happening, and our circumstances seem impossible. However, there is a sound from heaven, a sound of the abundance of rain, signaling that God is at work even when we can't see it. The story of the prophet Elijah, who prophesied rain during a drought, teaches us that sometimes God's promises don't immediately align with our reality. Elijah prayed fervently, sending his servant seven times to look for signs of rain, demonstrating the importance of persistent prayer even when results are not visible.
When God's word doesn't match our situation, we must go down on our knees and pray. Elijah's experience shows that even a powerful prophet can face moments when nothing seems to happen despite God's promises. This teaches us the value of perseverance in prayer. Just as Elijah continued to pray until a small cloud appeared, we must keep praying and trusting that God is working behind the scenes. Our prayers are like punches against a wall; though we may not see immediate results, damage is being done behind the scenes, and eventually, the wall will fall.
Prayer is essential for walking through the doors that God's word opens for us. We live in a generation of prayerless Christians, but prayer builds a foundation and sustains us through challenges. Elijah's persistence in prayer led to the abundance of rain, symbolizing that we should not settle for less but seek the fullness of God's blessings. The rain is only significant to those who have sown seeds, representing our efforts and faith. When the rain comes, it brings a harvest, and we must be ready to receive it.
Moreover, the wind of change is coming to blow away the locusts—those negative influences and people who drain us. Just as the wind blew away the locusts in the Bible, God's wind will remove obstacles from our lives, allowing our seeds to grow and flourish. The hand of the Lord is upon us, and our prayers can lead to significant changes and breakthroughs.
This ministry is called for a purpose, and through persistent prayer and faith, we will see great things happen. The sound of the abundance of rain signifies the coming of God's blessings, and we must be ready to receive and act upon them.
Key Takeaways:
1. Persistent Prayer in the Face of Silence:
When God's promises don't align with our reality, we must persist in prayer. Elijah's experience teaches us that even when nothing seems to happen, continuous prayer is crucial. Our prayers are like punches against a wall; though we may not see immediate results, God is working behind the scenes. [05:35]
2. The Importance of Prayer in Walking Through Open Doors:
God's word can open doors for us, but it is prayer that allows us to walk through them. We live in a generation of prayerless Christians, but prayer builds a foundation and sustains us through challenges. Elijah's persistence in prayer led to the abundance of rain, symbolizing that we should seek the fullness of God's blessings. [12:18]
3. The Significance of the Rain:
The rain is only significant to those who have sown seeds, representing our efforts and faith. When the rain comes, it brings a harvest, and we must be ready to receive it. Our prayers and efforts are not in vain; they prepare us for the blessings that God is bringing. [24:30]
4. The Wind of Change:
The wind of change is coming to blow away the locusts—those negative influences and people who drain us. Just as the wind blew away the locusts in the Bible, God's wind will remove obstacles from our lives, allowing our seeds to grow and flourish. [27:08]
5. The Hand of the Lord Upon Us:
The hand of the Lord is upon us, and our prayers can lead to significant changes and breakthroughs. This ministry is called for a purpose, and through persistent prayer and faith, we will see great things happen. The sound of the abundance of rain signifies the coming of God's blessings, and we must be ready to receive and act upon them. [34:21]
YouTube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:35] - When God's Word Doesn't Match Your Situation
[05:35] - Persistent Prayer in the Face of Silence
[07:26] - The Power of Continuous Prayer
[09:00] - The Hidden Work Behind the Scenes
[12:18] - Prayer Opens Doors
[14:51] - Seeking the Abundance of God's Blessings
[17:34] - Do Not Despise Small Beginnings
[19:00] - The Foundation of Prayer
[24:30] - The Significance of the Rain
[27:08] - The Wind of Change
[30:29] - Removing Negative Influences
[34:21] - The Hand of the Lord Upon Us
[37:25] - The Keys to the Kingdom
[41:18] - The Sound of Change
[45:38] - Closing Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Kings 18:41-46 (NIV)
> And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Elijah do when he heard the sound of heavy rain? ([03:35])
2. How many times did Elijah send his servant to look for signs of rain? ([05:35])
3. What was the initial response of the servant each time he looked for rain? ([05:35])
4. What happened when the servant finally saw a small cloud? ([15:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Elijah continued to pray even when there were no immediate signs of rain? ([05:35])
2. How does the story of Elijah and the rain illustrate the importance of persistent prayer? ([07:26])
3. What does the small cloud symbolize in the context of Elijah’s persistent prayer? ([15:59])
4. How can the concept of the "wind of change" be understood in our personal lives? ([27:08])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like your prayers were not being answered. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Elijah’s persistence? ([05:35])
2. Elijah’s servant saw nothing six times before seeing a small cloud on the seventh. How can you stay motivated to keep praying when you don’t see immediate results? ([05:35])
3. The sermon mentioned that our prayers are like punches against a wall, causing unseen damage until the wall eventually falls. How can this analogy help you persevere in prayer? ([07:26])
4. The rain is significant to those who have sown seeds. What "seeds" have you sown in your life, and how are you preparing for the "rain" of God’s blessings? ([24:30])
5. The wind of change is said to blow away negative influences and obstacles. Identify any "locusts" in your life that are draining you. How can you pray for God’s wind to remove these obstacles? ([27:08])
6. The hand of the Lord was upon Elijah, enabling him to outrun Ahab’s chariot. How can you seek God’s hand upon your life to achieve what seems impossible? ([34:21])
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer in walking through the doors God opens. What specific doors has God opened for you, and how can you use prayer to walk through them confidently? ([12:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Persistent Prayer in the Face of Silence
When God's promises don't align with our reality, we must persist in prayer. Elijah's experience teaches us that even when nothing seems to happen, continuous prayer is crucial. Our prayers are like punches against a wall; though we may not see immediate results, God is working behind the scenes. Elijah prayed fervently, sending his servant seven times to look for signs of rain, demonstrating the importance of persistent prayer even when results are not visible. This teaches us the value of perseverance in prayer. Just as Elijah continued to pray until a small cloud appeared, we must keep praying and trusting that God is working behind the scenes. Our prayers are like punches against a wall; though we may not see immediate results, damage is being done behind the scenes, and eventually, the wall will fall. [05:35]
1 Kings 18:43-44 (ESV): "And he said to his servant, 'Go up now, look toward the sea.' And he went up and looked and said, 'There is nothing.' And he said, 'Go again,' seven times. And at the seventh time he said, 'Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.' And he said, 'Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’"
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel like nothing is happening despite your prayers. How can you commit to persistent prayer in this area, trusting that God is working behind the scenes?
Day 2: The Importance of Prayer in Walking Through Open Doors
God's word can open doors for us, but it is prayer that allows us to walk through them. We live in a generation of prayerless Christians, but prayer builds a foundation and sustains us through challenges. Elijah's persistence in prayer led to the abundance of rain, symbolizing that we should seek the fullness of God's blessings. When we pray, we align ourselves with God's will and prepare our hearts to receive His blessings. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a powerful tool that connects us with God's plans and purposes for our lives. [12:18]
Colossians 4:2-3 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison."
Reflection: Identify a door that God has opened for you recently. How can you use prayer to walk through this door and seek the fullness of God's blessings in this opportunity?
Day 3: The Significance of the Rain
The rain is only significant to those who have sown seeds, representing our efforts and faith. When the rain comes, it brings a harvest, and we must be ready to receive it. Our prayers and efforts are not in vain; they prepare us for the blessings that God is bringing. Just as a farmer prepares the soil and plants seeds in anticipation of rain, we must prepare our hearts and lives for the blessings that God has promised. The rain symbolizes God's provision and faithfulness, and it is a reminder that our labor in the Lord is never in vain. [24:30]
James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
Reflection: Reflect on the seeds of faith and effort you have sown in your life. How can you prepare yourself to receive the harvest that God is bringing through His blessings?
Day 4: The Wind of Change
The wind of change is coming to blow away the locusts—those negative influences and people who drain us. Just as the wind blew away the locusts in the Bible, God's wind will remove obstacles from our lives, allowing our seeds to grow and flourish. The hand of the Lord is upon us, and our prayers can lead to significant changes and breakthroughs. This wind of change is a divine intervention that clears the path for God's purposes to be fulfilled in our lives. It is a reminder that God is actively working to remove hindrances and bring about His perfect will. [27:08]
Exodus 10:19 (ESV): "And the Lord turned the wind into a very strong west wind, which lifted the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea. Not a single locust was left in all the country of Egypt."
Reflection: Identify any negative influences or obstacles in your life that are hindering your growth. How can you pray for God's wind of change to remove these hindrances and allow you to flourish?
Day 5: The Hand of the Lord Upon Us
The hand of the Lord is upon us, and our prayers can lead to significant changes and breakthroughs. This ministry is called for a purpose, and through persistent prayer and faith, we will see great things happen. The sound of the abundance of rain signifies the coming of God's blessings, and we must be ready to receive and act upon them. When we recognize that God's hand is upon us, we can move forward with confidence, knowing that He is guiding and empowering us. Our prayers are not just words; they are powerful declarations that align us with God's will and bring about His purposes. [34:21]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent breakthrough or blessing in your life. How can you acknowledge God's hand in this and continue to pray for His guidance and empowerment in your journey?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Many times the word of God can be spoken and you see nothing. Many times the word can be said and yet nothing is happening. Times the word that is given does not match up with the situation that you're going through. The word might say oh God will bless you. Many times the word is given to you it does not match up your situation." [03:35] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The word will open the door for you. But you need the prayer, my God, to keep that door open so you can walk through it. Say it again. The word will open the door for you. But the prayer will cause you to walk through that door." [12:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Rain is only important to those who have sinned. If you have no sin in the ground, the rain don't mean nothing amen? Because the Bible says, for as long as the filth remains, the rain shall be seed time. And what? How much seed do you have in the ground? Somebody heard me. Rain is only important to those who know that they have planted something in the ground." [22:47] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you have quality, the quantity will come. A lot of people go after the quantity first and you have no substance. They have nothing. They have nothing to give to you. My God. When I look at this house, I see quality. When I look at this house, I see quality." [18:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The wind of change is coming to your home. The wind of change is blowing in your direction. The wind of change is blowing in your house. Whatever produce that you have that the locust is getting it out. Oh my God, the wind of change is blowing in your house." [27:08] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The prayers have been answered behind the scenes. There's damage that's been done behind the scenes. Something is falling down, but you don't see it. That doesn't mean that God's not doing it. You've been punching the wall. You've been punching the wall. You've been punching the wall. All the time, that wall that you see will tumble down." [09:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, people want the word that is easy. But they don't want to put the work behind the word to get the results. Many don't want to plow the land. And they expect things to just happen if somebody heard me. The word will open the door for you. But you need the prayer, my God, to keep that door open so you can walk through it." [11:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When the time comes for himself, you will be first in line to receive it. Somebody heard me. When the time came to process, he ran ahead of the king. Imagine the king. The king had his process. But that's the idea. He was able. To outrun a horse. There's a scripture that says, if you can't even run with the people, how can you run with a horse?" [16:36] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The hand of the Lord is upon this ministry. You might just be in this small place with somebody around you, but in the realm of the Spirit you don't know what is happening. You might just be in this place but in the realm of the of that. I forgot there's something from the holidays that has been defeated. There's some situations that have happened. That has changed me." [34:21] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I believe that God's going to use this ministry to shake Toronto. Is somebody hearing me? I believe that God's going to use this ministry. To bring the youths, one by one, in this ministry. Is somebody hearing me? I believe that God's going to use this ministry to gather his people from the north, the south, the east, and the west. I believe that God is going to do something great in this ministry." [36:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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