Releasing The Rain of Abundant Blessings
And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain ~ 1 Kings 18:45a
Introduction
Anyone that ever suffered the agonies of drought would never despise the rain, nor join hands to hinder its showers. And, whoever experienced the wretchedness of warped satanic contortions wouldn’t ever wish to downplay the significance of divine interventions.
An uninterruptible, all-round, rain is the Lord’s favorite promise to His people (Joel 2:23). Whenever He sends His fire amidst our drought experiences, the rain is His ultimate plan, to provide seeds to Sowers and bread to the Eaters (Isaiah 55:10-11)!
When it rains, the rivers run again, fishes are caught again and the crops grow again, with great joy and deep-seated laughter where there has been weeping. Moreover, when it rains, God’s people become blessed exceedingly, and with their needs more than met, they become sources of blessing and happiness to others too (Deuteronomy 28:12)!
Recall that Israel disobeyed the Lord’s commandments, and for three and a half years, not a drop of rain or dew was seen in the land (1 Kings 17:1). But, on a day like this, at the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed that God would prove Himself as the true God, and turn the hearts of His people back to Himself. Then, the fire fell (1 Kings 18:38-40)!
Albeit, Elijah's work was not yet completed. God had proved His supremacy to all, but there was no rain yet, and Elijah had to prevail with Him to send rain. Therefore, he prayed again, and the land enjoyed a mighty torrent of rain.
What’s This Rain In Essence?
In Bible sense, rain usually speaks of blessings. It is a sort of God’s power visiting His people in their drought experiences of life, whatever that might be: drought of opportunity, joy, testimony, fulfillment etc. God uses His rain to rubbish every weapon that the devil may have launched at you, turning them around for your good.
Supernatural rain is a form of liquid power that empowers us for blessings and for fruitfulness. Fire and rain are the two kinds of liquid power relayed to us in 1 Kings 18! The fire came first, but only to prepare the way for the rain, which also speaks of life, recovery, restoration.
When God causes His rain to fall on you, He simultaneously blesses you and forbids sorrows in your life (Proverbs 10:22). This is an important part of the regime of blessings, which Jesus Christ died to offer us (2 Corinthians 8:9). He died both to redeem and to enrich us; therefore, it is imperative that we position our hearts well enough to receive His drenching rain.
Commanding the Rain of Supernatural Abundance
The following are some of the divine patterns that will release the supernatural rain, and even miraculously translate our expectations to beautiful manifestations, any day:
Firstly, open up for a Word from the Lord. Elijah’s heart must have been full of confidence in God because of His Word that he heard. He told Ahab, "there is a sound of abundance of rain.” God’s promises are given to excite your faith in prayer, and whenever you’re privileged to hear a Word from the Lord, cling onto it with a daring faith, it shall surely produce (Hebrews 6:11-12)!
Secondly, never forget to rebuild the altar of fire, and keep it top-notch. Recall that only men who are truly reconciled with God can experience the fire, and expect to enjoy His promised rain!
Thirdly, be persistent in the place of prayer. Elijah knew that once the official worship of Baal was exterminated, the purpose for the drought was fulfilled and rain was on the way. Hence, his prayer didn’t admit any discouragement until there was abundant rain.
Amazingly, however, while Elijah went up to the top of Carmel to pray, Ahab went up to eat and drink! Different strokes, you might say! Anyway, the absence of fervent prayer is a great limitation to many Christian enterprises today. There must be a closeness to God and a crying out to Him from the depths of the heart in faith, not mere intellectual acknowledgment of His power, if we’re to command the rain of His blessings through prayers (1Kings 18:24).
Fourthly, we must cultivate our sensitivity to the little clouds (v44). When Elijah's servant told him he could only see a small cloud, that was proof enough for Elijah that the rain was just around the corner. Great blessings do often arise from small beginnings, and showers of plenty from clouds of mean span.
Never despise small manifestations of divine delight (Zechariah 4:10). God has used many small things many times before to accomplish surprising results: a rod (Exodus 4:2), a jaw-bone (Judges15:14-15), five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40), a handful of meal and little oil (1 Kings 17:12), five loaves of bread and two small pieces of fish (John 6:9). Little things matter when God’s incredible power is involved!
In addition, we must be highly, but patiently expectant, till the seventh time! Never allow yourself to be dejected by any disappointment or delay. Never feel tired but continue to wait upon the Lord; He still answers prayers (Luke 18:1). Even if it’s “6-Down” today, it could still be “7-Up” tomorrow.
In the scriptures, the phrase, “seven times”, indicates perfection and completion, which are the usual demands of excellent miracles. Examples of this abound in the Bible: cleansing of leprosy (Leviticus 4:6; 14:7), demolishing Jericho’s wall (Joshua 6:4), and Naaman’s healing (2 Kings 5:10).
I affirm that your vision shall still speak, but please remember to constantly and diligently inspect what you expect if you really desire it to turn to manifestation (Hebrews 2:3, 10:38; Luke 18:7; Ephesians 6:18). Never forget to allow the clouds to form, it is an integral part of the due process of rain (Ecclesiastes 11:3).
In this memorable encounter, the sky became black with clouds “in the mean while”! Thereafter, there was a heavy rain, and the long drought was over! Happily, God can still be prevailed upon to glorify His name in our day, but His people must pray earnestly as Elijah did, and be completely focussed on Him.
Focus is a major key to progress and success. Lack of it is the main problem that stops many people from getting what they want in life. Those that focus on what they want to achieve prosper, while those that don't focus struggle all the way through. We must be particularly and intentionally focused on Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:2).
You will not have any need that cannot be met when you look up unto the Owner of all things (Hebrews 12:2). The face of God is the Sure Cure for shame (Psalms 34:5). When you seek His face, His Hand will deliver!
Friends, I release you today to a new season of the Lord’s rain, with undeniable torrents of His blessings. Change is in the atmosphere. Great joy is here, the deluge of rain is coming. Your answers are just around the corner. You will have more than enough and become a great blessing to many people, globally! You won’t miss this, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
** Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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