MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME

READ:
Joel 2:21-27

I will restore to you the years
that the swarming locust has
eaten.  - Joel 2:25

None of us can say that we have no regrets.  Often we are led down paths of bad choices-some paths longer than others-which can have a lingering effect on the mind, body, and soul.

A friend of mine spent a number of years living a life of alcohol and drug abuse.  But God did an amazing work in his life, and he recently celebrated 25 years of being free from substance abuse.  He now runs a successful business, has a devoted wife, and his children love Jesus.  He has a passion to reach out to others who are in the ditch of life, and he serves as a wise and loving mentor in the rescue operations of their lives.

God never gives up on us!  Even if we've made poor choices in the past that have left us with regret, we can choose how we will live now.  We can choose to continue destructive living, simply wallow in regret, or we can run to Christ believing that He has ways to "restore...the years that the swarming locust has eaten" (Joel 2:25).  When we repentantly seek His healing and freeing power, He is merciful.

While some consequences from the past may remain, we can be confident that God has a good and glorious future for those who trust in Him! - Joe Stowell

Lord, it is with humble and grateful hearts that we
come to You and lay all that we have been in the past
at Your feet.  Take us as we are and make something
beautiful out of our lives that brings glory to You!
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God never gives up on making
something beautiful out of our lives.

INSIGHT
Today's verses proclaim the restoration of lost abundance for Israel.  Abundance lost in years of drought and to infestations of locusts will be restored.  The immediate results of such blessing are that God's people will eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord (v.26).  But the ultimate purpose for the blessing is so that God's people will know that He is in their midst (v.27).  God has been in the mist of His people in Christ, and we await the full enjoyment of the restoration of the years devoured by sin and death.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace