A Cloud As Small As A Hand

A Cloud As Small As A Hand

I Kings 18:43-44 NKJV

[43] and (he) said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” So he went up and looked, and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” [44] Then it came to pass the seventh time, that he said, “There is a cloud, as small as a man’s hand, rising out of the sea!” So he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot, and go down before the rain stops you.’ ”

This is a rendering of Zech. 4:10 in NLT 

" Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand." The context was different from today's reading, but the sense of smallness is relevant to our intention. God is interested in small beginnings. The cloud might have been like a mans hands, but a thunderstorm was coming. It is credited to Plato to have said that "The beginning is the most important part of the work.” What that means is the willingness to believe that the future is embedded in that little start.

That servant went seven times before he could announce that he has seen a cloud as small as a man's hands.  Albert Barnes reports that, " Sailors know full well that such a cloud on the far horizon is often the forerunner of a violent storm".

  People may laugh at the fact you sent a lookout for seven times. Thank God he didn't give up. They may wonder when you are giving up. Hold on. God will show up at the  horizon. It may be a little business, a small congregation, a little pay, but it takes you away from home on a daily basis. Hold on. James Feeny says, " Our minds can wrongly put limits on what God can do through us. But God is not restricted by our limitations or the circumstances of our lives. Look beyond your situation to the amazing things Almighty God can do with submitted, willing people".  

  Abraham had cried in Gen.15 that God had given him no children. God  took him out and showed him the stars. Israel is the result. Then Christ. Imagine what God can do with your little. Your situation is about to change. That project will attract international support. Whats important is your preparation to believe. " Prepare your chariots..". Wasn't that audacious? Faith speaks of those things that be not as if they were. You're about to be flooded by requests. Put your house in order. Its your turn now. in Mat.13:31-32, we are told that this is the pattern for the kingdom. It may be as little as a mustard, but birds will sit there tomorrow.

   Three things are essential.1. Persistence. What would have happened if Elijah gave up at the fourth trial? 2. Faith, that what he said will come to pass 3. Refusal to be discouraged by others who cant see what you saw. It may be as small as a mans hand. That is enough. Start. Good morning.