Disaster and Some Guy Named Joel

CBN.com -- Today in our world: wars, tsunamis, earthquakes ... the list is unending. As Matthew 24:6-7 says,

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (NIV).

Everywhere I turn at work, at school and at home everyone wants to talk about the latest disaster - everyone except me. I just have a question: “What are you going to do about it?” Yes, the obvious answer is “pray.” But is that all we can do?

A long time ago a guy named Joel was instructed by God to prophesy to an entire generation. He warned them of terrible trials to come and explained to them the need to repent and seek after God. The good news is what God promises after we seek Him:

"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Joel 2:28-29, NIV).

According to God, in these crazy times we, the sons and daughters, are destined to prophesy. But what does it mean to prophesy? Prophecy is an inspired declaration of God’s will and purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains to the church that prophecy is a gift from God.

“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV).

“But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"(1 Corinthians 14:24-25, NIV)

In other words, prophesying equals proclaiming the truth – God’s truth – whenever and to whomever He tells you. Take another look at the scripture above. Simply by proclaiming God’s truth and inviting His will and purpose to be at work in our lives, He could cause any unbeliever in a 10 foot radius to fall down and worship Him! If we dedicate our words and actions to God, He will use us to influence and encourage everyone we meet.

Perhaps you live in an area that is experiencing tragedy, or perhaps the troubles that plague the rest of the globe seem far away. If you call yourself a follower of Christ you have an assignment regardless of the circumstances. He has called us to help Him rebuild people after disasters rock our world. “But what do I say and when?” you ask.

No worries, all God asks is that we listen for His voice and be crazy enough to follow His directions no matter what.

Hebrews 11:6 says,

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

Jeremiah 33:3 says,

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (NIV).

James 1:5 says,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (NIV).

Be a willing agent and pray for opportunities to listen to others and encourage them:

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. A man finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!” (Psalm 15:22-23, NIV)

Stand up and be bold, after all, the Master of the universe is your boss:

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4, NIV).

Proclaiming His truth to our friends, our neighbors and our world is the greatest adventure we will ever experience. He alone can give us the sensitivity to hear His voice and the courage to do whatever He asks. God is waiting for you to enlist in His service. What are you going to do about it?