I tend to binge TV shows. It’s a problem I have. Amongst other reasons, one factor that drives me to push play on the next and next and next episode is that I hate being in the middle of a story. The middle of a story can be heavy and hopeless, full of heartbreak and without answers.
Yet even while tragedies are unfolding, they can provide encouragement for those who have been oppressed—that justice will come to fruition.
For the people of Amos’s day, this insight must have been a breath of fresh air after a long dark season. It was a moment where someone saw what was happening, not just in their own sphere, but on multiple planes of reality.
It is easy for us, as it was for the ancients, to live in a closed world: to be concerned only by what our eyes can see, living by our self-made plans, tending to matters that we deem important.
For the politically-minded citizens of Israel, this moment seemed like their chance to rid themselves of Assyria by aligning themselves with new neighboring allies. Only hindsight shows us how disastrous this would be for them. They were in the middle of their story. And things often look very different in the middle.
Without a slow, steady partnering with the God of all stories, we fall into the same trap. We take what little we can see and understand and interpret the world as if that is all there is. But context can change everything. Living only by our own limited perspectives, we too become “incapable of doing right” (Amos 3:10). And at the end of that road we, like ancient Israel, bring disaster upon ourselves.
Sometimes, disaster is the only wake-up call that will suffice. Sometimes we are so set on our own version of the world, ignoring warning after warning, that it takes God allowing us to reach the bitter end of the road we laid brick by brick. Sometimes only breaking us will make us whole again.
Thankfully, God is a redeemer and restorer as well as a distraught watchman. In His view of the story, the breaking may be part of the mending process. He is so patient—loving perpetrators and victims alike, desiring their wholeness and healing—allowing so much time to turn back. When waiting for justice, it often seems to feel relentlessly delayed. But we must remember: we are in the middle of the story. He is being patient with others, just as he is patient with us. The storm will come with all its terror and might.
After, the world—though broken—will have been washed clean. And then, the master craftsman will tenderly collect the remnants to again (and again and again) begin building something beautiful, whole, and stronger than before.
Leave a Reply
60 thoughts on "Punishment for Unrighteousness"
Truth is not subjective to the times. God is truth, knows truth, and gives truth to us. He knows it when we have ignored it. I find peace is just knowing that. In a weird way, it just grounds me to know that I have access to the source of all truths.
❤️
I really needed this encouragement today. My husband of nearly 20 years wants a divorce. He broke the news to our 12 yr old last night. Today’s reading and devotion are such a balm.
This is so good! “Sometimes, disaster is the only wake-up call that will suffice.” “Sometimes only breaking us will make us whole again.” Wow.
This is so good! “Sometimes, disaster is the only wake-up call that will suffice.”
Titus 3:1-11 spoke to me this morning! First, the call to submit to authority, even if I don’t like or agree with that authority. I see people, myself included, struggling with this with the government (regardless of whose administration it is), just as the Jewish population struggled with the governments over them. It’s also easy to disagree with a boss, a parent, etc. but that’s why we must work for all things as if for the Lord and not for men. We too were once deceived, and we are ALL in the middle of our stories, and we don’t know yet how God is going to work in any given situation! I love that this passage shows both a promise and a call to action.
Love this reminder! Justice seems delayed because God is so patient, kind, and loving that he is trying to give others the opportunity to turn back. Recently heard a message by Tim Keller saying that his ways are not ours and he sees the big picture when we cannot. Only considering how afflictions impact you can lead to bitterness and despair. God sees the big picture in ways we can’t and in the end, all things will be made right. Don’t lose faith and keep going!
Wow, what an amazing story!
You can’t understand good without experiencing bad. Waiting on God’s time can be hard but so fulfilling
Perspective, specifically, God’s and context, specifically from God’s point of view, is so important to our lives and how we live each day. dear Father, please help me to see the circumstances I am, the situations in this world, through Your perspective, through Jesus-tinted glasses. amen.
Sometimes we need to be broken, to mend and be restored. Thank you Abba Father for your love,grace and mercy!
We literally miss God speaking to us, giving us signs to not do something and we always look past it but then wonder why our life is a disaster.
I’m in the middle of my story, and it’s such a good reminder that it will end, but in the meantime, I should remember to lean on God and widen my perspective to Him.
♥️
Amen!
Praying for you Michelle as you sit in your grief, it’s a hard place to be ❤️ so much of the Psalms laments are “how long?!” and “where are you?!” It is biblical to be “tired of this crap!!” May you sense His presence and hand in all of this.
This one hit home on so many levels. 6 years ago I lost my fiancé. He was a sweet man but had a lot of problems. Alcohol being one of them. I prayed so hard for his healing. We had beef together 6 years when he died. One night I was at my wits end, crying and praying. I told the Lord he needed to heal him or take him, because he was killing us both. Not long after he died in my backyard. That is not the way I had planned things out. I had planned having another child. Him getting better and is living happily ever after. Then 7 months after he died and I lost 36lbs and was down to 96lbs I met my sole mate. He had lost his wife in August the same year I lost Michael. We have been married for 4 years. I could never have imagined my life the way it is now. If I had things my way it would have turned out much different.
Thank you for praying for us Theresa – it was definitely the spirit, today has been a hard day for our case (heard from a third lawyer they are unable to represent us) so at this point feeling burnt out. Trusting the Lord is our Counselor!
SUSAN – THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Amen! God has been pressing on my heart to mentor a small Bible study group. I don’t have all the answers but I started one with 3 others ladies. God is good and has it all planned out!
Hello she’s, a few things that stood out to me today:
1. Devote our energy to good works
2. Avoid foolish debates/arguments about the law (legalism) because they are worthless and unprofitable.
3. Reject a heretic person after 2 warnings. I looked up the word heretic in Concordance, and it says a person that follows a wrong doctrine.
@Katie L: as I read through your question, I saw the answer from Aurora in this devotional, her words: “Sometimes, disaster is the only wake-up call that will suffice. In His view of the story, the breaking may be part of the mending process.” There is a purpose in the breaking & disasters.
Praying for you sisters Molly R, Traci, Sarah D, Taylor and others. Hugs and blessings to you all. Be blessed dear sisters.
Definitely feeling in the middle of my story right now. And I had a revelation recently that maybe things aren’t happening the way that I want them to is because I’m trying to control it on my own, based on my own limited understanding of things that only God can truly understand. I realized I have to truly let go and let God and Amos 3:10 was a good reminder of that. When living by my own perspectives I’m incapable of doing right and receiving the blessings I’m looking for
I pray that I would show the world that I am a follower of Jesus by my concern and love for the people around me. I’m so happy that God cares about justice for all people; he sees and he is in control. One day he will make all things right!
I started to type a few verses from Titus 3:1-11, but realized it is all good! As believers we are to be devoted to good works for they are good and profitable for everyone. What good works am I doing?? I had a christian counselor say to me yesterday that maybe Fort Collins needs me. I was telling her that I don’t really like living here. I don’t fit in very well. I read that Colorado is the least religious state..ugh. So I guess I have something to ponder on.
Can I ask for prayer? I’m getting ready to finally let go of Tanner, my sons house. I was over yesterday working on remaining items and will go again today. I would like to have peace with this decision. It will be the final letting go. I pray that God will bring a lovely young family or older couple to enjoy his home.
Good morning ladies!!
Praying for Wendy, @Taylor!!
Thank you for your prayers. I am still waiting to hear back from the Christian school, but have been feeling better at my current job this week helping with training, which has been nice. My current supervisor even said that depending on my job situation, I would be the next to be the senior admissions counselor. He has been understanding and been a reference for me on my applications. So I have a couple options. I have been feeling more confident at my abilities and I’ve realized how much I have learned these past almost two years. Praying the Lord would guide me to where he wants me to go!
I ❤️ this— “He is being patient with others as He is being patient with us.” We want the grace but He is extending it to all, just as He loves all. We don’t want to be patient, to wait, to live in the middle. We like new beginnings and we enjoy a good conclusion… But God is working where we can’t see and moving when we can’t feel it. He is working all things out for our good!
Lord, continue to make each of us in Your image. Another illustration of the middle of the story is seeing only one small piece of a quilt. On its own there is no reason for its placement or color. But, standing back and looking you see the beautiful, intricate design in its fullness.
MOLLY thankful this season is almost completed! Praying for a quick sale.
CEE GEE prayers for VBS
RHONDA you are a blessing!
MICHELLE praying for your situation
TAYLOR I have missed you!
MARIA good word!
Amos 3:6 If a trumpet is blown in a city,
aren’t people afraid?
If a disaster occurs in a city,
hasn’t the Lord done it?
My mind and heart have such a hard time reconciling an agape love God who causes/allows calamity and disaster (seen here and many other scriptures). I had a neighbor tell me the other day about seeing news footage of hurricane Katrina and a survivor being interviewed and asking if they thanked God for their house being spared. They answered “I’m an atheist” and my neighbor said “I thought: ‘who do you think sent the Hurricane?!’” I don’t believe my neighbor is a believer and I didn’t know what to say in that instance.
I have to trust my human mind is fallible, but it sure is hard to reconcile.
I wrote the other long post, but wanted this to be separate since it really spoke to me today. In the study notes for Isaiah 59:21, there is a reference to Isaiah 53:16 and the mention of ‘offspring’. Not only is He our Savior, but we are His seed (offspring)! I don’t remember that as I should.
MOLLY R – Celebrating and praying! Praying for your parents adjustments, too!
Thank you for the reminder of renewal and healing in all circumstances
I love how even in the dark times, God is still reminding us that there is a Redeemer!
Good Morning, Friends!
Who would’ve thought one of the “minor prophets” would hold such jewels. It’s a reminder that the WHOLE of Scripture is FULL of goodness, beauty, and truth.
Like RHONDA J said, lots to ponder today!
I have a praise: After many months of work in moving my parents to an assisted living facility, and many back-braking hours spent cleaning, sorting, and organizing at their old house, we are OFFICIALLY LISTING IT FOR SALE, TODAY!!! We still have a whole garage full of stuff to move, but it has a place to go, so all that’s left is the physical moving of stuff that will take place this weekend. As my sister and I finished sorting the last several boxes of stuff this past weekend we were both hit with a bittersweet hope of the finish line. We both agreed there will be a grieving that will hit us, but as we reach the finish line together we are basking in the completion of a very hard race. Thank you for the prayers over it all, and the ones that will continue as we wait for a good, quick sale, and a final nail driven in a heavy and tumultuous season!
This one was so hard! Lots to chew on.
I love the reminder that we serve a patient God. He waits and allows so much time for perpetrators to turn back while to us justice feels relentlessly delayed. His is a plan of salvation. ❤️
Aurora’s devotional really had some punch to it. It has me thinking.
Be blessed and be alert to God and Christ around you sisters.
5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, – Titus 3:5
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, – Titus 3:4
This is so true of God’s people.
TAYLOR – I prayed for you this morning and that you would be back here with us; I have missed you! And here you are!!! ❤ Praying for Wendy and for your mom as she ministers to her spirit.
As I read these passages this morning I was reminded of something I ‘just happened to see’ on Pinterest when I was researching for VBS ideas. I saw a list of “Red Sea Rules”. I just learned that the list is from the chapter titles of a Bible study by Robert J. Morgan. I have never read any of his books so I would like to hear from any of you who have. “Rule 1 – Realize that God means for you to be where you are. 2- Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.” Skipping to “10- Don’t forget to praise Him.”
We were just reminded about the pitfall in forgetting! I only shared a few to honor copyright laws, but there is lots of good stuff in this list. The one I printed out was a brown paper background with the list printed on it.
I would appreciate your prayers as I step into the role of teacher for VBS. I have been an assistant many years, but this is a first as teacher. Thinking of your boldness in stepping out in faith, RHONDA J, and that encourages me! Keeping your requests close to my heart.
This reading of scriptures reminds me of leaning towards your own understanding.
It also reminds me of the current culture we are living in. I’m constantly amazed by the many current messages that are being presented that sounds good but are not Biblically correct.
I am thankful for this study and others that lead us to the Bible itself.
“Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.”
Psalm 33:22
I’ve never felt so in the middle of the story then I do right now. God help me to see your hand in the midst of it and choose to continue to reach for you to guide me rather than turning to anything else.
Oh good stuff today! And a great devotional to think and ponder on.
Good morning dear She’s! It’s good to see you sister @Taylor! I have missed you!
@Michelle, I hear your pain and praying for you! Unfortunately I call the 20’s the decades of my horrible choices and mistakes (and even on in my early 30’s!) It is such a hard age of thinking you know it all, and this world today is full of openly sinful ways that are “normal!” In my day (lol) you really (hid) your rebellion, today it’s do what makes YOU happy! It is hard to watch when you see our loved ones doing sinful things, but hopefully they will hit their breaking point and realize they need Jesus. I pray for my nieces and nephews, in-laws, my son, and so, so many others! Let’s pray it is “the middle of their stories.”
I am so glad that I hit my breaking point, and Jesus saved me from my ways, and called me to serve Him! As I go to prison ministry today, I want to show those dear ladies that they can change dramatically! That this could be their story that is the testimony for God to share with others! Also, I want to have that same empathy to those that I don’t have a natural compassion for. Like today’s scripture says, we were all there, and Lord knows I was! Open their eyes Lord, I long for the world of yours to come, but until then, we have work to do.
“Living by our own limited perspective we become incapable (Amos 3:10)” whoa ! This really hit home and was a great reminder I can’t do it alone! Lord help me to bring everything to you!
Sometimes justice does appear slow. I feel that way watching people I love make poor decisions. I think, “God, when will you rebuke them and open their eyes to the evil they are accepting?” But His ways are higher than mine and I can’t force outcomes.
God, please forgive me and help me understand Your mercy for the wayward.
My heart is so hurt. I was speaking with my counselor yesterday and she was basically saying I needed to grieve some things and I was trying to force myself to “rejoice in the Lord” instead of cry with Him.
I am hurt. I’m hurt my siblings are being stupid and thinking its ok to keep blatantly rebelling against God. I’m hurt that God’s promised me things and there is nothing happening to see them come to fruition. All He says is “wait” – literally no action steps. I am doing His will and have nothing to show for it, financially. I’m just tired of this crap, excuse my language but I want to say worse lol. Please pray for me. I feel so bitter towards others bc I feel so crushed in Spirit.
@Kelly (NEO) thanks for asking about my mom’s cousin Wendy! She is home recovering now. My mom is worried that she might be becoming addicted to her prescription pain medication. Also Wendy is struggling mentally now being home and more isolated after her accident (still not cleared to drive again). Thank you for praying for her <3
So glad to be back here with you all this morning <3 Such good reflections and convictions today. To not be close-minded, because we don't see the whole picture. To trust in God's plans and His timing over my own, that God desires the healing and wholeness of EVERYONE, that He is patient, that He loves us, that He will redeem us.
Lifting up all the prayer requests! Also trying to play catch up as I missed days 1 & 2
“Sometimes only breaking us will make us while again.” This spoke to me SO MUCH because this is my story. When I started my journey in Christ, I was so stubborn. Beyond stubborn in listening to everything God had for me, instead of being selective about what I heard. I always say that God hit me with a spiritual 2×4, because they way he broke me was just… wow. But that was just the middle of my story because He knew I could be a better version in Him. And sisters, I am so glad He did. Am I perfect? Nope. But I am a way better version of who I was. I think it’s why I love the Point of Grace song “Heal The Wound” because it says— “Heal the wound, but leave the scar; a reminder of how merciful you are. I am broken, torn apart. Take the pieces of this heart; heal the wound but leave the scar.” There is beauty in the healing that comes after the brokenness. And I am thankful that in Christ we find that healing.
Lord help me to seek you first instead of following after my own ways. Thank you for sending Your Son to save our sin stricken world!
❤️
Such a convicting message today. How often do I make snap decisions based on very limited information because I’m “in the middle”? I feel pressed on all sides and so like the Israelites I make short-sighted alliances that end in disaster. Lord, help me to learn to seek you and ask for wisdom in those moments. You see the whole picture, not just the middle part and you give your wisdom freely to those who ask.
SARAH D- Praying this morning for your job situation
KATIE L- Praying for your family
Father please let me see with Spiritual eyes to know and discern Your truth. I want only to follow you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen
Lord thank you that you are writing the story for my children as well as me. That you aren’t finished with them either. Help me trust you not just with my story but with theirs.
I love this reminder. In the middle of the story, help me to “devote myself to good works,” trusting YOUR redemption, Lord God! ♥️
I love this reminder. In the middle
Amen!
Amen
I often forget that we are in the middle of the story. Lord help me trust you in the middle and hold onto You throughout this challenging story of life.
KELLY (NEO) Those same verses stood out to me as well.
Heartbreaking to see that we are, as they were, surrounded by lies on all sides, where lies are called truth and truth is called lies. Thank you Lord for the never changing truth of Your word. Forgive us, guide us and give us wisdom, we pray.
This line from Amos’s message struck me as a good reminder of why Jesus had to come, “The people are incapable of doing right—this is the Lord’s declaration”
And this from Isaiah’s message reminds me that our struggles today are, unfortunately, nothing new:
“Justice is turned back,
and righteousness stands far off.
For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter.
Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil is plundered.
The Lord saw that there was no justice, and he was offended.”
O Lord, forgive us for offending You.