Before The Rain, The Alter

In Deuteronomy 11:13-14, God spoke to the new generation of Israel that was about to enter the Promised Land:

“If you carefully obey my commands… I will send rain on your land in its season, both the early and the latter rain.”

Israel had come from a wilderness where they depended on manna and where they did not cultivate the land as they would in Canaan. God taught them that the blessing of the land would depend on a relationship of love, obedience, and dependence upon Him.

However, as the years passed, the people turned away from God and followed other gods. Then the warning given in Deuteronomy came to pass: the heavens were shut up, and a great drought came upon the land.

In 1 Kings 18, we find Elijah standing before a people who had forgotten the Lord. But before the fire fell from heaven and before the rain returned, Elijah did something important:

“He repaired the altar of the Lord that had been torn down.” (1 Kings 18:30)

The drought was visible in the land, but the real problem was in the hearts of the people. The broken altar represented a neglected relationship with God.

Many times, we want God to send the rain of His blessing, His peace, or His direction, but first, He desires to restore the altar of our hearts. Before the rain came repentance. Before the harvest came restoration.

This message is especially meaningful for women who desire to seek God with all their heart, soul, and mind. In the midst of responsibilities, challenges, and daily demands, the Lord continues to call us to place Him at the center of our lives. When a woman chooses to fully surrender her heart to God, she finds in Him the strength, wisdom, and direction she needs for every season of life.

There may have been times when a woman has felt distant from God, distracted by worries, wounds, or life's burdens. Yet, just as God called His people to return to Him, He continues to extend His love and grace, inviting her back into His presence. No matter how much time has passed or how difficult the journey has been, the Lord is always willing to receive her, restore her, and renew her heart.

Elijah understood that the miracle did not begin with clouds in the sky, but with the reconciliation of the people to God. That is why he gathered Israel, repaired the altar stone by stone, and called the people to turn their hearts back to the Lord. The fire that fell from heaven was confirmation that God was still willing to answer, forgive, and restore those who returned to Him.

In the same way, God continues to work in our lives today. At times we go through seasons of spiritual dryness, discouragement, or confusion, and we look for quick answers to ease our need. Yet often the Lord first invites us to examine the foundations of our relationship with Him: our prayer life, our obedience, our worship, and our trust in His Word. When the altar is restored, our hearts are brought back into alignment with His will.

The rain that Israel longed for was necessary for the land, but spiritual restoration was even more important. God did not simply want to send water upon the fields; He wanted to reclaim first place in the lives of His people. That same invitation remains for us today. He desires that our fellowship with Him be deeper than our desire for the blessings He can give.

We should ask ourselves!! Is there an area of my life where the altar needs to be repaired? Have I allowed other things to take the place that belongs to God? Am I seeking God’s blessings more than His presence? What steps can I take today to draw closer to Him?

Prayer:

Father, thank You because You always call us back to You. Search our hearts and show us any broken altar that needs to be restored. Forgive us for the times we have allowed other priorities to take Your place. Help us to love You, obey You, and depend on You each day. Renew our passion for seeking You and strengthen our faith to trust in Your timing and purposes. May our lives be a living altar for Your glory, and as we draw near to You, may we experience the rain of Your grace, Your peace, and Your direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.                       

           Love, Pastor Brenda Ortiz & Rev. Sonia Hernandez

Then He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in Peace.”  Luke 8:48