THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN

TITLE: THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE OF RAIN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Kings 18:41
"And Elijah said to Ahab, 'Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of abundance of rain.'"

Supporting Texts:
James 5:17-18
Isaiah 55:10-11
Psalm 65:9-11
Revelation 22:17
Jeremiah 14:22

INTRODUCTION:
The phrase "the sound of abundance of rain" signifies hope, divine provision, and the promise of blessings. In the context of the biblical narrative, Elijah, a prophet of God, proclaimed this promise after a prolonged drought, symbolizing a shift from scarcity to abundance. This sermon will explore the significance of this sound, how it relates to our spiritual journey, and how we can position ourselves to receive the abundance God has for us.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF THE SOUND

To fully grasp the meaning of the "sound of abundance of rain," we must first understand the context in which it was proclaimed.

a) The Drought:
The nation of Israel had suffered a severe drought for three years, representing a time of spiritual dryness and lack (1 Kings 18:1).

b) Elijah’s Obedience:
Elijah, being obedient to God, prayed earnestly for rain, demonstrating the importance of prayer in our pursuit of God’s promises (1 Kings 18:42-43).

c) A Shift in Atmosphere:
The sound signifies a change in the spiritual atmosphere from barrenness to blessing (2 Corinthians 5:17).

d) The Importance of Hearing God:
Elijah was sensitive to hear the sound of rain, reminding us of the importance of spiritual discernment in our lives (Romans 10:17).

e) Prophetic Declaration:
Elijah’s proclamation was a declaration of faith and expectation, emphasizing that our words have power (Proverbs 18:21).

Biblical Example:
In the story of Noah, God warned him of the impending flood, demonstrating the importance of heeding God's voice (Genesis 6:13-22).

2. THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE IN OUR LIVES

God desires to bring abundance into every area of our lives, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

a) Spiritual Abundance:
God promises spiritual abundance through His Word and presence (John 10:10).

b) Emotional Restoration:
The sound of abundance brings healing and restoration to our hearts and minds (Psalm 23:3).

c) Physical Provision:
God is our Provider, and He desires to meet our physical needs abundantly (Philippians 4:19).

d) Abundance in Relationships:
God can restore and enhance our relationships, leading to deeper connections (1 Peter 4:8).

e) Financial Blessings:
The Lord can bless us financially as we are faithful stewards of what He has given us (Malachi 3:10).

Biblical Example:
The widow of Zarephath experienced God's miraculous provision during a time of famine, illustrating God’s ability to provide abundantly (1 Kings 17:14-16).

3. POSITIONING YOURSELF FOR ABUNDANCE

To experience the sound of abundance, we must position ourselves to receive God’s blessings.

a) Prayer and Fasting:
Engaging in prayer and fasting can open the heavens for God's abundance in our lives (Matthew 17:21).

b) Cultivating Expectation:
Living with a heart of expectation prepares us to receive what God has for us (Hebrews 11:1).

c) Acting on Faith:
Just as Elijah sent his servant to look for rain, we must act on our faith and be expectant of God’s promises (1 Kings 18:43).

d) Being Grateful:
Cultivating an attitude of gratitude invites God’s abundance into our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

e) Staying Connected to God’s Word:
Remaining in God’s Word strengthens our faith and helps us to discern His will (John 15:7).

Biblical Example:
The parable of the talents illustrates the importance of being faithful stewards of what God has given us, leading to greater blessings (Matthew 25:14-30).

4. DECLARING THE SOUND OF ABUNDANCE

Our declarations and confessions play a crucial role in manifesting God’s abundance in our lives.

a) Proclaim God’s Promises:
Declare the promises of God over your life and circumstances (Isaiah 55:11).

b) Speak Life into Situations:
Use your words to bring life and hope into seemingly barren situations (Proverbs 18:21).

c) Pray with Confidence:
Approach God in prayer with the confidence that He hears and answers (1 John 5:14).

d) Affirm God’s Goodness:
Remind yourself and others of God's goodness and faithfulness (Psalm 100:5).

e) Encourage Others to Listen for the Sound:
Share the message of hope and abundance with others, encouraging them to listen to God's voice (Romans 10:14).

Biblical Example:
Jesus declared the healing of the woman with the issue of blood by her faith and declaration (Mark 5:34).

5. CELEBRATING THE ABUNDANCE OF RAIN

Once the rain comes, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate God’s blessings.

a) Acknowledge His Provision:
Take time to recognize and thank God for the blessings you receive (Psalm 103:2).

b) Share Your Testimonies:
Sharing testimonies of God’s abundance encourages others and glorifies God (Revelation 12:11).

c) Live Generously:
Being generous with what God has given us reflects His character and brings glory to Him (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

d) Serve Others:
Use the abundance in your life to serve and bless others, fulfilling God’s command to love (Galatians 5:13).

e) Remain Humble:
Remember that all good things come from God, and remain humble in your blessings (James 1:17).

Biblical Example:
The early church shared all they had, leading to an atmosphere of abundance and generosity (Acts 4:32-35).

CONCLUSION:
The sound of an abundance of rain is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the blessings He desires to pour into our lives. We are called to listen for this sound, position ourselves to receive, and declare God’s promises with faith. Let us celebrate the abundance that God provides and share it with others as we live out our faith in action.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to recognize the sound of abundance in my life.

2. Thank You for the blessings You have already provided.

3. Help me to be a vessel of Your abundance to others.

4. I pray for spiritual renewal and abundance in my life.

5. May I have the faith to declare Your promises boldly.

6. Lord, open my ears to hear Your voice and the sound of rain.

7. Teach me to remain grateful in all circumstances.

8. I pray for restoration in areas of my life that are dry.

9. Help me to act in faith as I wait for Your provision.

10. May my life be a testimony of Your goodness and abundance.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will hear the sound of abundance in your life.

2. The Lord is opening the heavens and pouring out His blessings upon you.

3. Your dry seasons are coming to an end as God brings forth abundance.

4. You will be a conduit of God's blessings to others.

5. The promises of God will manifest in your life in Jesus’ name.

6. I declare restoration in every area where you have experienced lack.

7. You will live in the fullness of God’s abundance and provision.

8. Your faith will be rewarded with the abundance of rain.

9. You will testify of God’s goodness and the blessings you receive.

10. The sound of joy and celebration will be in your home as God provides abundantly.