Joel 3:13–14: “‘Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. / Come, go down; / For the winepress is full, / The vats overflow— / For their wickedness is great.’ / Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! / For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

November 9th, 2021 by Pastor Ed in devotional

This “valley of decision” seems to be the same as the “Valley of Jehoshaphat” mentioned in verse 2, a place where God’s judgment will be carried out. While this may be pointing to the final Day of Judgment, there is still an important, daily message embedded here. Every generation since Jesus walked the earth, has been caught between choosing God’s Kingdom or this world’s system of living—they are daily caught in the valley of decision. For an unknown number of people, today could be their last 24-hour moment in time to make a decision of whether or not they will surrender to God.

In the summer of 1949, in Winona Lake, Indiana, a small group of believers were praying for America and the world, among them was a young evangelist named Bill Graham. The group’s leader said, “Our brother Billy is going out to Los Angeles for a crusade this fall. Why don’t we gather around, lay hands on him, and really pray for him? Let’s ask God for a fresh touch to anoint him for this work.” Without saying anything, Graham rose, walked to the front, and knelt on the oak floor. A dozen men gathered around him, laid their hands on his shoulders, and prayed. Then Graham opened his Bible to Joel 3:13–14, read it aloud, and said, “Gentlemen, I’m taking this passage with me to the West Coast. I believe if we will put in the sickle, we shall reap an unprecedented harvest of souls for Christ.”

“LORD, do not stop Your hand, instead may it graciously and quickly spread to every corner of the earth. Help us today to join in Your harvest and labor with You until You return.”