Prepare A Place

¹⁵ "Blow the trumpet in Zion,

declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly.

¹⁶ Gather the people, consecrate the assembly;
bring together the elders,

gather the children, those nursing at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber.

¹⁷ Let the priests, who minister before the LORD,

weep between the temple porch and the altar.

Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD.

Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn,
a byword among the nations.

Why should they say among the peoples,

'Where is their God?' "

Joel 2: 15-17 NIV

It's easy to "say" how desperate we are for God. It's easy to "talk about" how much we need Him. It's not as easy to actually "do something" to try and bring about a move of God. These verses are saying that we should drop whatever we are doing, no matter how important. We should gather everyone together and not just some. The prior verses speak of weeping, praying, fasting, and mourning in order to gain God's attention.

We love to talk about how we "wish" God would show up in a big way. Yet, how much are we willing to give in order for that to happen? Pastor Eric spoke in a sermon a while ago about preparing a place for His presence. God cannot bring us great things until we have repaired the altar which He would abide upon. We must make a way for Him and then I believe He will not let our efforts go in vain. If we take one step towards Him, He will take two steps towards us.

How much are you willing to offer in order to receive the great things you are asking for in your life, in your work place, or in your nation? May we all be found praying, mourning, and weeping as we seek greater things!