When we know the word of God, we are sensitive to the conditions that are necessary for God's blessings to come on His people. Spiritual people are in tune with the plans and purposes of God. When Elijah saw a small cloud the size of a man's hand, he knew this was the return of the rains that had been promised by God. We've seen the break-up of the Soviet Union and the dismantling of the Iron Curtain. The world sees this as man's hand, a combination of foreign policies.
Faith sees doors open to the gospel after years of prayer.
Elijah continued to pray as if the outcome depended on him. Although we do not know how prayer works, we know that it does work, and God is pleased when we pray in line with His promises. Consider the short-lived repentance of the Israelites, even after such a miraculous display of God's power. If you would like to see and download the complete Study Guide for 1 Kings, click here on Talks for Growing Christians .