The months to combat the devourer: Have you ever had the feeling that one issue comes up before you’ve had a chance to get over the previous one? Life might occasionally appear to be a never-ending series of obstacles, disappointments, and defeats. The Israelites in the book of Joel were in just this predicament.
The prophet describes a devastating invasion of locusts. In Joel 1:4: “What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; what the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; and what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.”
What was left behind by one locust wave was annihilated by the next. Total destruction was the outcome. The country was in a dire situation, livelihoods were impacted, and crops were destroyed.
This wasn’t just a natural calamity. It served as a reminder. God was taking use of the circumstance to draw His people’s attention. He desired for them to realize how far they had strayed and to return to a deep, intimate relationship with Him.
A locust pandemic is unlikely to affect most of us today. But we can encounter other types of loss and challenges. We may feel depleted and discouraged by financial strains, strained relationships, unanticipated illness, job disappointments, or difficulties that seem to follow one after another. Sometimes it seems like something is always against us, keeping us from progressing.
What is the solution, then?
The prophet Malachi conveys a straightforward message from God: “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground.” (Malachi 3:11)
God assures us that He will intervene on our behalf if we honor Him and prioritize Him. He will safeguard the results of our labor and maintain the blessings He has given us.
That does not imply that life will be without difficulties, but it does give us the assurance that God is keeping an eye on us and working in our best interests.
We welcome you to join us at the nearest Universal Church this month if there are places in your life where you have strayed from God. Make the decision to get closer to God, give Him your all, and observe His faithfulness in your life.
Reach us via WhatsApp; send a telegram; or call our 24-hour helpline at (+254) 729 243 699 / 700 391 485, or visit any UCKG branch near you and speak to a pastor.
