After a Long Time…God’s Renewal is Coming!

After a long time, the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year: “Go and present yourself to Ahab. I will send rain on the surface of the land.” 1 Kings 18:1 At this point in the scripture we understand that Israel was in a drought (prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to shortage of water) and experiencing a famine (extreme scarcity of food). Our scripture today tells us that it had been a long time, three years to be exact since God has given Elijah a word. What I want to bring out of the text is that although a "long time" Elijah didn't move until God told him to. Elijah waited on the instructions of the Lord and I believe that he waited in faith. In Chapter 17, we witnessed God showing up as Jehovah Jireh as He sent Elijah to different locations ensuring he had water and food to sustain him while everyone else was living in lack. Not only that but these occasions of provision were opportunities for Elijah's increasing faith. This faith allowed Elijah to wait well in the midst of a famine and drought. It allowed him to trust that God would show up at the right time.

I want to pose the question, "What have you been waiting on the Lord to do for a long time?" Now that you have it in your mind, I want you to ask yourself, "Have I waited well?" Prayerfully your answer is "yes". Even if you haven't, consider the ways God has shown up in the midst of you waiting.

Now, let's take a moment to understand "3". The number 3 in the Strong's Concordance means eb primarily referring to the freshness or greenness of young shoots or vegetation. It conveys the idea of new life, vitality, and the initial stages of growth. This term is often used metaphorically to describe the vigor and potential of youth or the renewal of life.

Finally, right here, right now, decree and declare that this is your THIRD year! You've been waiting well and God is getting ready to respond with instructions for your next. He is sending rain and that very thing you've been waiting for is getting ready to shoot up out of the ground!