Encouragement for Today
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March 24, 2025 A Small Cloud of Hope |
“And at the seventh time he said, ‘Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea.’” 1 Kings 18:44a (ESV)
I was in a dry season, praying for answers but witnessing no change.
Over coffee one day, a friend casually mentioned a Bible verse about trusting God’s timing. It wasn't a big revelation, but her words felt like a flicker of hope — a small reminder that God was still at work.
This moment didn’t fix everything, but it served as the first signal on the horizon, proof God hadn't forgotten me. Sometimes that’s all we need — a glimpse of hope to remind us God is moving, even when we can’t see the entire picture.
In 1 Kings 18, the prophet Elijah was standing on Mount Carmel after a long drought, waiting for rain. Elijah prayed fervently and sent his servant six times to check the horizon, receiving the same report each time: nothing. It wasn’t until the seventh time that the servant finally spotted something:
“Behold, a little cloud like a man’s hand is rising from the sea” (1 Kings 18:44a).
It wasn’t much, but it was enough. This tiny cloud signaled the end of the drought and the beginning of God’s promised downpour. A small cloud became the symbol of a massive blessing.
This story teaches us that sometimes we only catch a hint of what God is doing. We may be praying for big breakthroughs or waiting for unmistakable signs, but instead, God often sends a nudge, a quiet reminder of His faithfulness. It could be a conversation with a friend, an act of kindness from a stranger, or a sense of peace settling over us unexpectedly amid chaos. These moments are like that cloud — small but filled with the promise of something greater.
God’s provision often starts in humble ways. The rain ending the drought didn’t begin with a thunderstorm; it started with a small cloud. What little clouds are forming on the horizon of your life right now?
Perhaps you’ve been waiting on God to move, and you’ve caught glimpses of grace — subtle shifts, gentle promptings, or small blessings that seem insignificant. What if those things are the beginnings of something far greater than you imagine?
Waiting is hard. We crave immediate answers, significant results and clear direction. But faith often requires patience and trust in God’s work behind the scenes. God calls us, like Elijah, to hold on to hope even when the evidence seems miniscule. Those little clouds of hope — whether they're moments of peace, unexpected opportunities or shifts in our hearts — are whispers of His promises. Embracing God’s timing can uplift our perspective and allow us to see the signs of His incredible blessings just around the corner, reminding us God is near and His plan is still unfolding.
Dear Lord, thank You for the clouds of hope You send to remind us of Your faithfulness. When our hearts grow weary, help us trust that You are working. Strengthen our faith, and give us patience as we wait for the downpour of Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
What does it really mean to embrace your body the way God intended? In this special roundtable discussion, author Jess Connolly joins us to unpack the message of her book Breaking Free from Body Shame. Together, we’ll dive into what Scripture says about our bodies, how to break free from harmful narratives, and practical ways to walk in freedom and confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with body image or wondered how faith intersects with self-worth, this conversation is for you. Don’t miss it — watch now!
ENGAGE
Today’s devotion writer, Dr. Gladys Childs, is a member of COMPEL Pro Writers Training. Receive writing tips on your social media feeds when you follow COMPEL Pro on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Job 8:7, “And though your beginning was small, your latter days will be very great” (ESV).
Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (ESV).
What small sign of God’s faithfulness have you noticed in your life recently, even if it felt insignificant at the time? Share how it’s encouraged you to keep trusting in His timing. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
© 2025 by Dr. Gladys Childs. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
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