2 Kings 7 - 9

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Morality has fallen to its lowest levels and famine has struck the land of Israel! Everyone is anticipating death. In fact, in yesterday's reading we read the horrible story of how two women agreed to boil and eat their own babies in order to stay alive! To put it bluntly...things were worse than bad!

But, there are some lessons we can learn from all of this...

1) God can change FAMINE into ABUNDANCE in a matter of hours! God came to Israel's rescue through a very unusual set of circumstances. God caused the entire Aramean army to suddenly hear the sound of chariots and hoofbeats. Thinking they were being attacked, they fled for their lives leaving an abundance of clothing, food, livestock, and furniture behind. Some lepers happened to stumble onto the scene and discover the enormous amounts of gold, silver, clothing, etc. After hiding enough of the valuables for themselves, they sent word to the King of Israel (who initially didn't believe the report) and he sent scouts out to validate the leper's discovery. A mad rush through the city gate killed one of the King's officials who didn't believe Elisha's prophecy, and the famine was turned into abundance in a matter of hours!

Hey...You may be in a desperate situation with no hope on the horizon. Know this, with God's help, you may only be hours away from safety, security, and hope! Trust in Him!!! He can take the very worst of circumstances and turn them around to its opposite position!

2) A man's sin can cause so much damage! The rest of the chapters we read today are the fulfillment of God's curse upon the family of Ahab and Jezebel. Due to their violent and wicked ways, not only were many innocent people killed, but God made sure their family members would eventually die off. It's amazing what one man's sinful ways can do to destroy people's lives!

You may not be living the way God wants you to live, and you might be thinking, "Hey, that's my choice! It only hurts me." But, that's not true! Your life effects others whether you know it or not. You are either hurting the feelings of others because of your sinful ways or leading others down the same path. Either way, your life is influencing others. Don't be a destructive force in this short life of yours. Be someone who helps others and encourages others to be the best they can be. It's your choice, and I hope you'll choose to do the right thing!

Let me know what you think. God bless!