Prayer That Breaks Through
April 15, 2025
“Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 1 Kings 18:43-44 (NIV)
"There is nothing there." Six times Elijah's servant returned with the same disappointing report. Not a single cloud. No hint of moisture. The sky mocked their prayers as if to say, "Give up already!"
But Elijah wasn't budging. "Go look again," he commanded seven times. Why? Because when God makes a promise, it's never "I might" or "I should" or "I'll try." It's always "I will." And that's a guarantee that you can count on.
Too many of us quit praying one day before the miracle. We're like marathon runners who train for months but drop out at mile 25. How many blessings are sitting in heaven's storehouse with our names on them, waiting for us to pray one more time?
Remember what Jesus taught in Matthew 7:7? "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." In the original Greek, these verbs indicate continuous action—keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. God isn't impressed by the length of your prayers or the loudness of your voice. What moves Him is your persistence.
What have you given up praying about because you didn't see immediate results? The Israelites had to march around Jericho seven times on the seventh day. What if they had stopped on lap six? This week, resurrect that prayer you abandoned. Write it down. Commit to praying it daily—persistently and specifically. God does business with those who mean business with Him.
When you're praying for rain, there may not be a cloud in the sky, but God is still in the sky. And He still hears and answers your every cry.
Prayer: Father, Thank You for Your Word, bringing assurance when Your promises seem uncertain. Give me eyes like Elijah! And forgive me for giving up too quickly in prayer. I'm picking up that prayer I abandoned and bringing it back to You. Give me the persistence to pray through until breakthrough comes. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.