Amos 4:6(KJV)
And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
The Israelites occupied a special place in God’s heart and so, do Christians of this generation. God had pleaded with the Israelites to obey Him and repent of their evil deeds. God has done everything reasonable to awaken His people to their sins and rescue them from their rebellion against Him, but they will not change their minds. He tried to draw their attention through famine, drought, lack, pestilence, and premature deaths. God was willing to watch them hunger if that’s what it took for them to hunger for Him again. God was willing to let them thirst if that’s what it took for them to thirst for righteousness. Despite all this, they did not return to the Lord. Owing to this persistent stubbornness and unrepentance of Israel, God had to conclude: “…prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12). And Nahum 1:6 says, “Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? ………….”
In our disobedience to God, He withholds His goodness sometimes to bring us to Himself. His purpose is not for our destruction but to reconcile with us. Revenge is not His motivation. Neither is He wielding His power and justice mainly as punishment but as an invitation for us to serve Him. The pain He allows leads us to comfort, hope, and healing, not despair. Isaiah 55:7 says, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Through suffering, God allows us to turn to Him and receive compassion. Joel 2:13 says, “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” When we return to the Lord, He receives us just like the father runs to receive his prodigal son(Luke 15:20). 2 Peter 1:3 says, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” As followers of Jesus Christ, doing the will of God is the miracle-releasing power for all that we need. From Jesus, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha, Gideon, David, Peter, and Paul, all these men did the work of God with great passion without any excuse. The Lord has no delight in the destruction of the sinner. God miraculously supplies the extravagant ransom for us and ensures that those who trust Him will have abundant life forever.
Beloved, the Lord is saying to you this day return to Him, or you will continue to experience hardship, lack, sickness, trials, and all the afflictions until you turn your attention to Him. Show me a man who does not care about the cause of God on earth, and I will show you a God who also does not care about such a man. Repent and return to the Lord for as long as you remain in the right standing with God and please Him in all you do, you will experience open Heaven over your life. You can also command the windows already shut to open for you. When He allows adverse circumstances in your life, He draws your attention to His earnest pleadings, lovingkindness, and tender care. But if you refuse, you will meet Him as an enemy, and your suffering will be far worse forever. It is time to rethink and reverse from a life of stubbornness, which does not pay, and return to God. Don’t follow any family member’s or a friend’s advice to run away from the things of God. On the day of judgment, it will be you alone with God. God expects you will begin to prepare for your flight to eternity, either by death or by rapture. If you are reading this today, never ignore God, but be hungry again for the things of God, and your life will never be the same. Remember, don’t be afraid to feel the pain in suffering but let it lead you to God, not away from him.
O Lord, I ask for the grace to walk with and obey You. Help me not to miss You in the journey of life and destiny in Jesus’ Name.