Success is certain when the Lord has promised it. You may have prayed month after month without any sign of an answer, but it is impossible that the Lord would be deaf when his people are earnest about something that concerns his glory.

The prophet stood on top of Mount Carmel and kept wrestling with God. Not for one moment did he fear that his case would be dismissed in heaven's court. Six times his servant came back with nothing to report. Six times Elijah heard the same words: "Go again."

We must not even dream of giving up. Hold to your faith even if it takes seventy times seven. Faith sends hope to scan the horizon from Carmel's heights, and when hope sees nothing, faith sends her out again. And again. And again.

Far from being crushed by repeated disappointment, faith becomes more fervent in pleading with God. She is humbled, yes, but not ashamed. Her groans grow deeper, her cries more intense, but she never loosens her grip or drops her hands.

Our flesh would prefer a quick answer. But believing souls have learned submission. They have discovered it is good to wait for the Lord, not just to wait on him. These delays often drive the heart to examine itself, leading to real repentance and spiritual transformation. God uses the waiting to strike death blows at our corruption and clean out the dark corners of our imagination.

The great danger is that you will faint and miss the blessing entirely. Reader, do not commit that sin! Keep praying. Keep watching.

Remember, at last the little cloud appeared on the horizon. That speck in the sky was the sure sign of coming torrents. And so it will be with you. The sign of God's favor will come, and you will rise up like a prevailing prince to receive the mercy you have sought.

Elijah was a man with the same struggles we have. His power with God did not come from his own merit. If his believing prayer could accomplish so much, why not yours? Plead the precious blood with unceasing urgency, and it will be with you according to your desire.