"Then they will know that I am the Lord..."

Lately, I've been frustrated. Monday I was over-exceedingly joyful - just because Jesus loves me and has blessed me with so much. However, I've also experienced some depressing moods. It's probably useless to dwell on the things of this world, but it just upsets me. People - a lot of people - are believing lies! They are falling for the greatest trap of all, and aren't hearing the truth. To think even more pessimistically, even when they do hear, their eyes, ears, and hearts are closed. This kind of thinking is perfect for reading Ezekiel.

Ezekiel, just like Jeremiah and all of the other prophets, is supposed to obey God in the midst of a rebellious Israel. God is so hurt and angry at His chosen people, that He wants to bring judgment on them. Constantly, He says, then, "They will know that I am the LORD" (Ezekiel 12:15 for example). It's hurts me to see peers, teachers, friends, and ordinary strangers, willingly turn away from God and deny His existence. Now, Satan wants me to think that it's hopeless. That nothing they are gone for good and I can't do anything. But I am reminded of God's truth - "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). Reading Ezekiel also made me realize these things:

"you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see
and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people." Ezekiel 12:2

"'The days are near when every vision will be fulfilled. For there will be no more false visions or flattering divinations among the people of Israel. But I the LORD will speak what I will, and it shall be fulfilled without delay. For in your days, you rebellious house, I will fulfill whatever I say, declares the Sovereign LORD.' " Ezekiel 12:23-25

"I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God." Ezekiel 11:19-20

Yes, the world is a rebellious people. They openly turn away from their Creator and seek evil. But God can melt away any heart of stone. He will fulfill His Word. I will be encouraged and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, who dwells in me. What's better, I can be a light to this lost nation. I can share the truth (Jesus Christ) with everyone I meet, and hopefully they will see God in me. It may be the only God they ever see. One by one, I will plant seeds for His kingdom, and share with a fire in my eyes, the only truth in the world!

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NIV)
"So neither he who plants nor he who waters
is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

-Flower picture taken by Bubbly. :) Isn't it the perfect example of spring? I love how God makes everything grow!