After spiritual revival and cleansing, the rain will come.

Kings chapter 18 is the well know story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. There has been 3 years of no rain. Elijah meets with Ahab and asks for a showdown between God of Israel, and tells Ahab to call 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. In short, each side built an alter and asks their God to send fire down to burn up the sacrifice. The false prophets called on their gods all day without any fire coming down. Then at the end of the day, Elijah with a simple prayer asked God of Israel to show his power, and fire fell from the sky and burnt up Elijah's sacrifice. He told the people to then seize the prophets of Baal and kill all of them. After this, Elijah calls on the Lord to send rain.

The story ends in verse 45-46, " Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel."

It is important to see here that the rains were not able to be released until there was a spiritual cleansing of the land and the people called on the Lord and put their faith in Him.

Let us stand up for God and righteousness today. Let us send out a call of repentance, and take our stand against false prophets and teachers. Let us take every thought or imagination that is exalted against Christ, and make it captive unto Him.

Then even as Elijah, We can pray and look for the rain from heaven. The reign of Christ will come. We must put our running gear on, and throw off what ever may hinder us from running. Then run ahead of the rain, and proclaim His coming reign.