Monday's Devotional - 5/18/2026

Good morning! This is a very often quoted verse. It is the last half of a sentence that the first half is often overlooked. Verse 13 says, "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people," which comes right before this verse.

Context matters and that gives a completely different perspective. Because in context, God is sending problems to get people's attention with the goal to get them to repent and return to Him. Punishment for bad behavior is designed to correct the behavior and redirect the focus to the right path. Would you worship God the same in pestilence and trouble as in days of ease and plenty?

Some would shake their fist at God and say, "That's not fair!" I remind you that Jesus said something about that. He said there would be two types of people in hell. Those who are weeping because they are sorry they didn't repent and those who are gnashing their teeth at God as they shake their fist at Him saying, "How dare You!" Be careful how you respond!

The reason the trouble came was because people had turned away from God and done wicked, evil things. The United States and much of the world are at a tipping point. We have to decide what kind of people and nation we will be. Every nation does. A people who will serve and love the one true God or a people who celebrate evil and dare God to judge us. It is time the world repents and turns its eyes and affection on Jesus. He is coming soon. It is time to get ready. Do what this verse says invite God to heal our land. Then we will be able to make a great day!