Responding to God's Sovereign Providence, pt2-Joel 2:1-17

Описание: John Alexander Mackenzie was sent to South Africa by the London Missionary Society in 1858. He wrote in ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PATIENT WAITING, "Happiness! How little does the word mean when used in its ordinary sense! We generally esteem those happy--who enjoy uninterrupted health, and are apt to imagine that all happiness is gone when they are laid on a bed of sickness. But it is not so! To many of God's children, the time of 'sore trial' has been a time of peace and joy--a time to which they have looked back with the deepest gratitude. Not that sickness is in itself desirable--but it is precious. In the buoyancy of health--when our sky is clear--our sun shining brilliantly--and our hearts are full of hope--oh, how prone are we to forget our true character of 'strangers and pilgrims' here on earth!
How insidiously does the world entwine itself around our heart-strings! And how slowly do we advance in our heavenly journey! But when the sky is darkened, and the heavy clouds are rolling overhead--when we are laid prostrate--weak and helpless--then is it that we are brought to realize the frailty of our nature, and to become conscious of the truth that this world is not our rest--because it is polluted!"
How about you, friend? Has the sky been darkened and the heavy clouds rolled in overhead, be it financial calamity or health distress? The prophet Joel takes the real devastation by the locusts swarm of his day to illustrate about a far greater devastation in the future Day of the LORD and what that day demands of us in this day. If you would like some biblical theology on "Responding to God's Sovereign Providence,pt2" join us this coming Lord's day for our study in Joel 2:1-17!