I have always had a thing about studying the Bible.. I don't want to 'study' it since I have heard that that people can then tend view it as a textbook or a study material instead of God's ultimate and amazing Word.. I don't know. just something I have wrestled with.
But today I wanted to dive deeper into His Word and to uncover His character and WHO He is. Well today I found a facet of character in Joel! I want to study the books that no one preaches on. When was the last time your pastor preached on Obadiah? :) hahah So Joel it is.
And my heart was blown away as I took out my Bible and this 'study the Bible' book. Basically it speaks of God sending locusts to destroy the peoples' crops in order to bring them to true repentance, which is not just rending your garment but rending your heart before God {v. 2:13}. true repentance is also mentioned in 2 Corinth. 7:8-11. so good! So He shall send the locusts, but then He will bless the people so much if they return to Him. He is using utter calamity to gather His children. oh He is jealous for them and will take PITY on them { 2:18}.
So what? Well. I discovered that God used this horrible thing to bring His children unto Him. He didn't punish them just for the heck of it. No, oh He is so purposeful. He uses things that I see as utter bad things to bring His people to Himself. For instance, a week and a half ago, He sent a historical flood to wipe out peoples' homes and basements. But last week I gave out to those very people items and clothes to aide them. and you wouldn't believe how many people wanted a Bible. They realized that God is an all-powerful God who could have destroyed them. He totally could've. But He didn't. why? Because He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in [love] {2: 18b} He is a God of mercy who used a horrible thing to display His glory.
He used this 'locust' to get their attention, and in return many people are awakened to who He is.. and that He IS bringing restoration very quickly into them {2:25} Highways and roads are quickly being repaired, homes are being cleaned.
Wow. isn't that great?? He uses the 'locusts' in my life [which aren't huge by any means] to get my attention and to show me Who is REALLY in control. He did that this week by giving me a job offer that is perfect! It is only a few days a week but it is local and it shall hopefully give me money :) I got pink-eye from volunteering but God used that to get me to rest and just chill. I have enjoyed just hanging out this weekend and am pumped to go back out and work. then I shall not be contagious haha.
He is good. His love never fails. read Joel. you will be so happy you did. ask God to give you His eyes and to reveal revelations to your heart. he sure did to me.
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