AT THE RIGHT TIME
Text: Joel 2:23 and 24 – Be glad then you children of Zion and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you former rain faithfully and He will cause the rain to come down for you the former rain and the latter rain in the first month. The thrashing floors shall be full of wheat and the vats shall flow with new wine and oil (New King James Version).
Some countries in the eastern part of Africa know what is drought. Some stay up to six to eight months without rain as in it is horn of African now (August, 2011). Under such condition, how will they plant and expect to harvest. Such natural problem is never a surprise to God. He knows it will certainly happen and thus makes proper plans for us. The former rain — that is, the autumn rains, softens the ground for the planting of seed. It is needful to mellow the earth and fit it to receive the corn. They come between October and December, while the latter rain that is, the spring rain, which helps the crops mature, falls during March and April. This rain is very important to bring forward and ripen the fruits, accounted the latter rain because these husbandmen and vine-dressers reckoned from seed time to spring and harvest according to John Wesley Notes. The effect of the rain was an abundance of food.
We have a caring father (Ezekiel 34:11 – 16) whose concern is our welfare. He is promising us that in event of natural disaster He is there for us. Remember the story of Joseph and His people during famine (Genesis chapters 42 – 45). Are you afraid whether your crop may produce this year? God gave an answer in Ezek. 36:29 and 30. Trust God and Psalms 16:6 will be your portion this year.
Food for Thought: He gives at the right time
Prayer Points:
1) Thank God, for He responds to us at the right time.
2) Pray for ‘God’s rain’ to come to you at the right time.
3) Ask God for a bountiful harvest this year.
