James, in James 5: 17 and 18, says that Elijah (“a man just like us”) prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
The event in question is recorded in 1 Kings 18:42 and onwards. Elijah climbed to the top of mount Carmel where he prayed for rain. Seven times he send his servant to go and look for any signs of rain. Six times there was nothing. It was only after the seventh time that the servant reported signs of rain. And then the rain came – big time.
The lesson is this: what we see may be very discouraging, but pay no attention to it. God is in complete control and even if He delays intervening on our behalf, it is for our good and part of His goodness. Take hold of Christ, keeping hold and don’t let go. Never cease praying.