July 24: What a Surprise!

Zephaniah 1:1-3:20, 2 Chron. 34:3-7

Zephaniah 3:8-20

Amplified Bible (AMP)

8 Therefore [earnestly] wait for Me, says the Lord, [waiting] for the day when I rise up to the attack [as a witness, accuser, or judge, and a testimony]. For My decision and determination and right it is to gather the nations together, to assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them My indignation, even all [the heat of] My fierce anger; for [in that day] all the earth shall be consumed with the fire of My zealand jealousy.

9 For then [changing their impure language] I will give to the people a clear and pure speech from pure lips, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve Him with one unanimous consentand one united shoulder [bearing the yoke of the Lord].

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush or Ethiopia those who pray to Me, the daughter of My dispersed people, will bring and present My offering.

11 In that day you [the congregation of Israel] shall not be put to shame for all your deeds by which you have rebelled and transgressed against Me, for then I will take away out of your midst those who exult in your majesty and pride; and you shall no more be haughty [and carry yourselves arrogantly on or] because of My holy mountain.

12 For I will leave in the midst of you a people afflicted and poor, and they shall trust, seek refuge,and be confident in the name of the Lord.

13 What is left of Israel shall not do iniquity or speak lies, neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they shall feed and lie down and none shall make them afraid.

14 Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice, be in high spirits and glory with all your heart, O Daughter of Jerusalem [in that day].

15 [For then it will be that] the Lord has taken away the judgments against you; He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, even the Lord [Himself], is in the midst of you; [and after He has come to you] you shall not experience or fear evil any more.

16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not, O Zion. Let not your hands sink down or be slowand listless.

17 The Lord your God is in the midst of you, a Mighty One, a Savior [Who saves]! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest [in silent satisfaction] and in His love He will be silent and make no mention [of past sins, or even recall them]; He will exult over you with singing.

18 I will gather those belonging to you [those Israelites in captivity] who yearn and grieve for the solemn assembly [and the festivals], on whom [their exile and inability to attend services at Jerusalem have brought derision and] the reproach of it is a burden.

19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you; I will save the limping [ones] and gather the outcasts and will make them a praise and a name in every land of their shame.

20 At that time I will bring you in; yes, at that time I will gather you, for I will make you a name and a praise among all the nations of the earth when I reverse your captivity before your eyes, says the Lord.

When we turn to Him, He restores completely! Every time!

2 Chronicles 34:3-7

Amplified Bible (AMP)

3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young [sixteen], he began to seek after andyearn for the God of David his father [forefather]; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and molten images.

4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; the sun-images that were high above them he hewed down; the Asherim and the graven images and the molten images he broke in pieces and made dust of them and strewed it upon the graves of those who sacrificed to them.

5 Josiah burned the bones of the [idolatrous] priests upon their altars, and so cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.

6 So he did in the cities of Manasseh, Ephraim, and Simeon, even to Naphtali, in their ruins round about [with their axes],

7 He broke down the altars and the Asherim and beat the graven images into powder and hewed down all the sun-images throughout all the land of Israel. Then he returned to Jerusalem.

Love this! You wouldn't think a 16 year old punk kid would know anything about ruling a nation. What a surprise! Are you 16? Are you faced with an impossible task? Take courage! Draw close to God and follow His word. God will show you EXACTLY what to do. Age simply doesn't matter. 
"Dear Jesus I pray for all the 16 year olds out there today. They can do WAY MORE than they think they can. I pray that everyone reading this who's 16 years of age would take courage! And lift their eyes up above their impossible circumstance to Your eyes. And simply get to know You better. Spend more time with You. Listen above the loud, lying voices to Your still small Voice. The Voice that stilled the waters and calmed the seas. Draw them into intimacy with You oh God. Lead them in Your perfect way. I worship You and praise You! Thank You! You are the BEST! In Jesus name I pray, AMEN."