Faith and Persistence

We need to display the same kind of faith and persistence that Elijah had when we’re waiting for God’s fulfillment.

“[Elijah] said to his servant, ‘Go up now, look toward the sea.’ So he went up and looked, but he said, ‘There is nothing.’ Yet Elijah said, ‘Go back’ seven times.”—1 Kings 18:43 NASB

Elijah had prophesied: The drought was going to end. He instructed his servant to go look toward the sea and witness the fulfillment of these words. Yet, when the servant looked, there was nothing to be seen. He looked not just once or twice, but seven times. He must have wondered if Elijah was wrong. But the prophet reassured him each time, telling him, “Go back.”

Finally, on the seventh trip, he saw something! It looked insignificant—just a small cloud. But this was the first wave of fulfillment! Every word of Elijah’s prophecy proved true, fulfilled at just the right time.

Often, we have this same kind of experience. We read God’s Word, hear His voice, and step out in faith, acting in obedience. Yet we don’t necessarily see immediate fulfillment. We may even encounter greater opposition or apparent defeat.

In such circumstances, it can be easy to give up, lose heart, or become angry or discouraged. We might conclude we haven’t heard God correctly or that our interpretation is wrong. At times like these, we need to remember the importance of persistence, as exemplified by Elijah and his servant.

Remember that God’s Word is always true, even when it may not be fulfilled according to your expected timetable. Be confident in God and His Word. Act in faith and persistence. Don’t give up if you experience delays or obstacles. God is faithful. His Word is true!

Reflection Question: Which challenging circumstances do you need to give to God today?