After the Storm

DEVOTIONAL (Part 2):

Scripture Focus:

I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten.

Joel 2:25 (NIV)

Reflection Title:

After the Storm — When God Rebuilds What Was Lost

Reflection Thought:

Joel 1 reveals devastation.

Joel 2 reveals God’s intention after devastation.

After the locust plague, the people were left shaken, humbled, and uncertain about the future. Yet Joel 2 announces something powerful. Restoration is not only possible; it is God’s promise.

Hurricane Melissa left its mark on our nation. We see collapsed structures, uprooted trees, broken routines, and hurting families. Although the land looks different, the God who governs nature has already spoken restoration over His people.

Joel 2 teaches us that whenever God allows disruption, He also releases divine rebuilding.

The storm may tear down, yet God uses the ruins to plant something new.

What the wind scattered, God gathers.

What the water washed away, God replaces with abundance.

Melissa came with force, but God comes with purpose.

Four Promises of Joel 2 for Jamaica After Melissa

1. God Calls Us to Return, Not Retreat

“Return to Me with all your heart… for He is gracious and compassionate.” Joel 2:12–13

The first response to disaster is not fear, but return.

Return to prayer.

Return to unity.

Return to righteousness.

Return to the God who stays even when the storm passes.

2. God Responds to the Cry of a Rebuilt Heart

“Then the Lord was jealous for His land and took pity on His people.” Joel 2:18

God is moved when His people humble themselves.

He hears the whispered prayers in shelters, the cries of parents over destroyed homes, and the quiet worship of those who thank Him even in loss.

He responds with compassion.

3. God Promises Provision After Scarcity

“I am sending you grain, new wine, and olive oil… never again will My people be shamed.” Joel 2:19

Melissa removed things —

but God will restore things.

Expect surprising provision.

Expect unexpected helpers.

Expect resources you did not plan for.

Expect to say, “Only God could do this.” Hallelujah!

4. God Restores More Than What Was Lost

When God restores, it is never equal to what was taken.

It is always greater, richer, deeper, and more purposeful.

We will rebuild stronger schools.

Stronger families.

Stronger community bonds.

Stronger faith.

Stronger relationships.

Stronger children, shaped by resilience and surrounded by God’s grace.

A Word for Families

Our children have seen winds rage and waters rise.

Yet they will also witness God’s hand rebuild what we cannot rebuild alone.

Show them how to pray.

Show them how to hope.

Show them how to help others.

Show them how God keeps His promises.

Let this season become their spiritual anchor ,

their memory of the time God carried them through Melissa and restored everything with greater glory.

Reflection Questions

1. What is God inviting me to “return” to during this season?

2. Where in my life do I need restoration?

3. How can I model hope and faith for the children around me?