Day 168: Humble Beginnings

17 Jun, 2015

Want Spirit-filled commentary delivered right to your inbox every morning? Sign up here: http://bit.ly/1K5n2g0

Wednesday, June 17th, 2015
CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Kings 18:1-46
Acts 11:1-30
Psalm 135:1-21
Proverbs 17:12-13
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1n9zSuZ

Commentary from Pastor Mike White:

Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” – 1 Kings 18:44

How do you respond when God’s promises start to take shape? Elijah’s servant had checked for rain six times, and seen nothing. But he didn’t give up, and his persistence paid off. As he checked a seventh time, a small cloud was beginning to form.

Our response at this moment is pivotal. Elijah started to see the formation of God’s promise – abundant rain – but had yet to see the fulfillment. He didn’t react with disappointment, saying, “I thought the cloud would be bigger.” He didn’t react with doubt, saying, “That cloud will never be enough to give us rain.”

Elijah and his servant both reacted with full faith. As they went to tell Ahab that torrential rain was coming, “…the sky became black with clouds and wind, and there was a heavy rain” (v 45). Their faith, paired with action, allowed the fullness of God’s promise to materialize.

Do not despise humble beginnings. As God’s promises take shape, ramp up your faith. Step out and do what God has called you to do. Trust that even the smallest cloud will pour out abundant rain!

Prayer:

Father, thank You for abundant provision. Your word never fails, and Your promises always come to pass. I trust in You!

© Michael D. White, 2015. All rights reserved.