Who knows?

Joel 2:11-13

"The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it? "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?"

Still in the face of the terrible Day of the Lord, a day of eminent danger and judgment, God offers grace. He encourages them to return with sincere hearts, fasting, weeping and mourning. Why? Because God's character is not only characterized by His justice and judgment, but it also is known for its grace and mercy. In fact, God's name is "gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love."  In light of this fact, the question always is  Who knows whether He will turn and relent? This is a great hope! Who knows? Always cry out for grace.

Father,
Thank You for this grace that is freely offered. Teach me to accept Your will regardless of whether it is judgment or grace.
In Jesus name,
Amen