"God Sends the Rain"

Key Points:

* Today we are dealing with a time of drought both spiritually and naturally. The drought and lack of rain has been brought on because of the sin of God's people.
* Before we get too deep in the lesson, I want you to remember that God will send his rain and his life in the hearts of all those who see after him.
* Elijah was prophet during the reign of one the most wicked kings to ever rule in Israel, Ahab. Ahab built houses, alters, and even idols to Ball. He turned the heart of God's people so far from God. The land was in trouble.
* To get the peoples attention, God stopped rain from falling to the earth for 3.5 years. During this time, it became difficult to find food and water for man and beast. Yet Israel refused to turn back to God. Israel was suffering and many people was sick, and some may have even died but the people refused to turn back to God. Why?.
* By this time, the people had worshipped Baal for so long that they believed he was their God. The eyes of the people had to be opened to see who the true God was.
* Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call on their God and he would call on the true God. The one that answered by fire is the one he told the people is the True God and they should serve him.
* The prophets of Baal called on him from morning to evening but got know answer. So, Elijah called on God for just a few minutes and he answered. It was then that the people realized that God was the true God. The people bowed and worshipped God.
* After the people realized that God was God, then God sent the rain to restore the land.
* Sometimes God allows us to experience droughts or separation from him to get our attention and to start us to seeking for his help. Once we realize that he is God and that we should be serving him and we humble ourselves and acknowledge him, he will hear, and he will heal.