The drought of the nation lasted three years causing famine. The situation was getting desperate. King Ahab sought to find the cause and the cure for the nation’s problems. He was unwilling to admit that the sin of the people began with him by his example and by his leadership. The worship of idols and false gods was a routine practice. The prophet Elijah was the one to follow God’s instructions for the drought to occur. He was also the one who held the answer from God. He instructed his servant to look toward the sea for an answer. The servant went seven times and finally said that he saw a cloud coming out of the sea that looked like a man’s hand. That was all Elijah needed. His faith was verified by that little cloud and became the catalyst for rain.
When the servant saw the cloud, he brushed it off as nothing of any consequence. After all, it was just a little cloud the size of a man’s hand. How could anything of importance be trusted by seeing that little cloud. He told Elijah and was probably surprised by the prophet’s reaction. It had great meaning to him. But we can speak honorably of the servant because he was obedient to Elijah all through the episode. He went seven times to check the sky. When Elijah became excited, he followed the instructions given to him by the prophet.
Be honest with me. You may have asked God for a request that was important, but when God responded in a different way, you took no notice. God provides little clouds for us to confirm that he has heard and will respond. Look at Daniel who repeatedly prayed with no answer in sight until eventually an angel appeared with the answer. Daniel could have become discouraged. He could have stopped praying. He could’ve decided that there was no use in what he was looking for.
It would be a good idea for us to look for those little clouds that rise out of our circumstances. In Elijah’s case, the cloud did not bring the rain. It was a signal that rain was coming. In our case, we also may have little clouds that want to send a message of encouragement and hope. Watch for those times that seem out of the ordinary but do not appear credible.
Take note of something small that wants to interject itself into your thinking. Watch and listen for God’s response that he knows and cares about your concerns. It could be a simple comment that a stranger makes. It could be a letter that speaks of hope from someone unexpectedly. It could be a change of direction someone requested of you while you intended a different path. If you do not notice that little cloud of faith in your life, take note that God is still aware of your concern.
The significance of the little cloud is not its appearance, but the confirmation that God cares and is concerned. Never give up looking for the cloud. Never give up on your prayers. Be ready to receive your answer with joy. In the depths of your concern God awaits. When the answer comes, see it with a similar response that Elijah displayed. An answered prayer is monumental to your prayer life, for your spiritual growth.
God places little hints in your life to say he is there, maybe standing in the shadows. In whatever way God responds it is very significant because you have communicated with the Almighty who created the stars, the planets, the intricacies of how your brain and body operates. That Almighty is eager to hear you. Any delay for your little cloud to arise out of circumstance is not reason to become discouraged. You may have to repeatedly, as Elijah’s servant did, look at what lays before you.
