“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:13-14
Happy Tuesday everyone!
So just now I was focused on 2 Chronicles 7: 13-14. Many of us are reading it at noon each day. But I had to take pause. A few days ago I was speaking to someone about this virus. There are theories out there that this is some man-made bio attack direct from Satan. Yet, I took pause in the verse “if I send pestilence among my people." It does not say allow pestilence or watch Satan send pestilence. The word is clearly I.
I think sometimes in my own heart and life I want to view JESUS in a way of a little fluff ball of love - completely forgetting His power and more importantly His jealousy over us.
I’m not going to create a firestorm on this page right now as I know this is daunting for all of us. However, when we honestly look at the condition of the church in America, I don’t think any of us would be so bold as to claim that it is healthy as it can be and thriving marvelously. No, I speak for myself on levels of pragmatism, extreme comfort, ineffective gospel tipped heavily towards grace vs consecrated obedience and righteous living and little impact on a culture where laws and seasons have changed.
"Among my people," says the verse. Then how does God hear? Certainly not by my complaints but by a Turn. I typically don’t think of myself as that wicked. But if I am honest, my heart is desperately wicked and willing to shove God of the throne at a moments notice. That is my big wicked way- where is God seated and who is in charge at any given minute.
I don’t have much else to say except that I read the literal words today with no adding or subtracting and I’m hard pressed to just stand back and say ‘Satan be gone’ based on my own condition.
Much love Cari