November 3

What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning mist, like the early dew that vanishes. — Hos 6:4 BSB

Most of the Lord’s people have something specific they desperately want. Most living souls have a unique temptation they want to be freed from. Some of God’s people, if they could sum up all their desires in one prayer, would ask for the assurance of their sins being forgiven. Others might ask for the freedom of the gospel to fill their souls. Some would plead to be delivered from a powerful temptation or a persistent sin. Others would cry out to be relieved from a particular trial or trouble that feels like it will crush them to the ground.

When the Lord allows them to come before Him and pour out what’s on their hearts, it’s as if He says, “Don’t be afraid to tell Me—I already know. I have the power to answer your request. I’m willing to give you the answer you seek. What would you like Me to do for you? Tell Me!” The Lord encourages and enables everyone He draws near to Him to express their deepest needs. And when they bring it to His throne, it’s already half answered. The blessing they need is on its way, like Gabriel leaving the palace to deliver his message swiftly to the soul.