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We all have a story, with the good and the not-so-good; the ups and downs; the detours that take us off course and the roadblocks that stop us in our tracks. Although we would rather not acknowledge that God allows the unexpected tragedies, He continues to give us miraculous blessings. So, when He said, “I know the thoughts that I think towards you” … He already knew our story. Yes, He’d already read the book, cover to cover. I believe that many of us are in a chapter of our story that we would rather not be in, but may I suggest that we are just where God needs us to be, because God Knows our story and now, we have to stick to it!
In order to better understand Jeremiah’s story and to put verse 29:11 into context, we must go back to Jeremiah 27:22 NLT, where God said…
“They will all be carried away to Babylon and will stay there until I send for them,’ says the Lord. ‘Then I will bring them back to Jerusalem again.’”
God told Jeremiah to tell ALL the nations of Israel, the good and bad & His decision was non-negotiable. This story reminds me so much of where the world is today. Unfortunately, we have no control on how God chooses to do what He does … but a pandemic though?!?!
Let me ask you a question, “Are there things that you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t and now the conditions or disciplines that have come with this worldwide pandemic has caused you to rethink your priorities? I had heard that we used to spend 5 times more time at work that we did at home with family and friends. Not anymore… at least, I hope not. Has time at home been enlightening or frustrating? It’s all about your perspective…
Well, back to the story…. So fast forward to the beginning of chapter 29, where Jeremiah is told to write a letter…
4 This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. 6 Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
As the children of Israel were, so are we today, in a very difficult, extremely uncomfortable situation, but the Lord says, Don’t stop living… Continue to Flourish and Prosper!
God has a very unique and detailed plan for each of us. Many times, God has to strengthen our faith in preparation for what’s ahead, because He knows our Story and we have to Stick to It!
NEXT WEEK… We will talk about His “Expected End” for us!
There’s a LOT more to this story…
Order Your Steps 