Asking for Help

Scripture – Amos 7:1-6: ¹This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king’s share had been harvested and just as the second crop was coming up. ²When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!” ³So the LORD relented. “This will not happen,” the LORD said. ⁴This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: The Sovereign LORD was calling for judgment by fire; it dried up the great deep and devoured the land. ⁵Then I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, I beg you, stop! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!” ⁶So the LORD relented. “This will not happen either,” the Sovereign LORD said.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Amos shares two visions from the Lord: one of locusts, the other of fire. Both start with total destruction. Amos cries out for forgiveness. The Lord relents. Total destruction will not come to His people. It’s interesting to me that God seems to have a give and take sort of dialogue with Amos. If Amos had not cried out on behalf of the people, would God have acted differently? Are there things God will not do unless we ask?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Sometimes (though not as often as in the past) I forget to simply ask God to intervene. I’ve seen Him do that. I’ve seen Him change situations and relationships. I will remember to ask Him to help today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Show me again how to pray effectively. Remind me that you still do what I see as miraculous things. Give me faith and boldness as I walk with you and call on you today.