September 28

Morning

The LORD looks down from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. — Ps 33:13 BSB

Perhaps no image portrays God’s grace more vividly than when He is described as stooping from His throne, coming down from heaven to see the needs and sorrows of mankind. How can we help but love Him when we see Him delaying judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah until He personally visits the cities? How can we not pour out our hearts in affection for the Lord who bends His ear from heaven to listen to the cry of the dying sinner who longs for reconciliation?

Our love for Him only deepens when we consider how closely He watches over us, not just in our physical needs but in our spiritual well-being. Though a vast distance separates the infinite Creator from His finite creatures, His heart is tender toward us. When a tear falls from your eye, God sees it! “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.” Your sigh moves the heart of Jehovah; your whispered prayer reaches His ear. Your faith can stir His mighty arm. Do not think that God is distant, indifferent to your circumstances. However poor and needy you may be, the Lord thinks of you. “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”

Evening

“Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” — 1 Kgs 18:43 BSB

When the Lord has promised something, success is assured. Even if you have prayed for months without seeing an answer, it is impossible for the Lord to ignore the earnest prayers of His people, especially when they concern His glory. Like the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel, we must persist in prayer, never doubting that we will be received in God's courts. Six times Elijah’s servant returned without news, yet Elijah continued to pray, trusting that God would answer. So too, we must not give in to unbelief but remain steadfast in faith, even if we must pray “seventy times seven.” Faith eagerly waits, and if nothing is seen, it sends out hope again and again.

Rather than being discouraged by delay, faith grows stronger and more fervent in prayer. Faith may be humbled by the waiting, but it never gives up. Though there are groans and sighs, faith does not release its hold or stop its prayers. It would be more pleasing to our human nature to receive immediate answers, but those who trust in the Lord have learned to wait on Him with patience, knowing that it is good to wait for the Lord.

Delayed answers often lead us to search our hearts and bring about repentance and spiritual growth. Such times can strike a blow to our sinful tendencies and cleanse our inner being. The greatest danger lies in giving up too soon, missing the blessing that is yet to come. Reader, do not fall into that trap! Continue in prayer and watchfulness.

In the end, Elijah saw a small cloud on the horizon, a sure sign that the rains were coming. You, too, will receive a sign of God’s goodness. Like Elijah, you will rise in triumph, having prevailed in prayer. Elijah was a man just like us, and his power in prayer did not rest in his own merit. If his prayers availed much, why not yours? Plead the power of Christ’s blood with persistent faith, and it will be granted to you according to your desire!