Daily Devotional

When the test on Mount Carmel was over, and God had answered by fire, then it was that the prophet "went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees"--an attitude indicating deep humility and earnest supplication. Time after time Elijah sent his servant to see if in answer to his prayer a cloud was rising; but no cloud was to be seen. At the seventh time, the servant returned with the word, "There ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand." Did Elijah stand back and say, I will not receive this evidence; I will wait until the heavens gather blackness?--No; he ventured all upon that token from the Lord, and sent his messenger to tell Ahab that there was the sound of abundance of rain.

We need the perseverance of Jacob, and the unyielding faith of Elijah,-- faith that will take hold, and will not let go. Inspiration tells us that Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are; yet the Lord heard his prayer. And why should not the Lord be entreated in behalf of his people today? He will; for heaven is not closed against the fervent prayer of the righteous. The only reason of our lack of power with God is to be found in ourselves. By many such a faith as these mighty men of God had in times past, is considered old fashioned. It is pronounced absurd, mystical, and unworthy of an intelligent mind.

Unbelief of the truths of God's Word, because human judgment cannot comprehend the mysteries of his work, is found in every community, in all ranks of society. It is taught in many schools, and comes into the lessons of the nurseries. Everywhere the spirit of darkness in the garb of religion will confront the soul; thousands who profess to be Christians give heed to living spirits. And the time is not far distant when every soul will be tested.