1Ki 18:43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times.
Elijah’s first prayer received an immediate answer by fire, however, an answer to prayer for rain was delayed. He kept on praying while sending his servant every time to bring him notice as soon as he discerned a cloud arising. Six times of checking rendered no good news.
Though the answer to our fervent prayers may delay, we must continue to pray and not faint nor desist for faithful is He that has promised. When you understand that delay is not denial, you have to keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. A plane delayed is not denied landing. And for it to be in delayed position, it has enough fuel to put it on hold position. Fervent prayers supplies encouragement and strength for those who understand they are in God’s perfect will in the midst of delays.