In 1 Kings 18, there is that tremendous story about Elijah and the prophets of Baal. God answers His lone prophet by fire, dramatically proving Himself strong and mighty on behalf of His people. Tucked in that story is a detail worth noticing.

Right before Elijah prayed, he directed some of those standing by to fill four pots with water and pour it over the altar and the sacrifice. Then he had them do it again. Then a third time. There could be no doubt when the fire came that it was a miraculous, divine reply.

But here's the thing. There was a famine going on. There had been no rain for three YEARS. That water poured out on the altar and sacrifice was a precious treasure, to be held back and guarded.

Pouring out the water had to come before the fire fell.
Pour out your hope for the future, your security, your ability to take care of things on your own. Pour it all out. I know there's a famine. Pour it out anyway. Take what's precious to you. Take what seems wiser to keep. Take what doesn't make sense. Pour it out. Every last drop. Then watch and see if I'm not God alone, the God who hears and answers.

Sometimes the fire doesn't fall in our lives, at our requests, because God is waiting for us to complete that last step. What is God asking us to pour out on the altar?