Everyone in the whole city wanted to know God’s will for them, or so they said. But when the Lord’s instructions didn’t match up with what the people of Judah wanted to hear, they quickly made up excuses to dismiss the message and the messenger.
God spoke through Jeremiah and told the people to stay put, but they trusted their own plans over His. “Surely Egypt will be better,” they arrogantly thought. Much like when Eve bit into the forbidden fruit, the people placed themselves on the throne to judge what was best for their lives. In doing so, they failed to trust God. It’s a mistake that humankind has made repeatedly since the beginning of time. But just as God was trying to protect Adam and Eve when He warned them not to eat the fruit in the garden, He was trying to protect the people of Judah. It’s important to realize that God wasn’t being controlling or trying to ruin their fun, rather, He knew that if they followed their own path it would lead straight to death (Jeremiah 42:22).
I’m sure we’ve all asked God for wisdom and direction in big and small decisions. But can you think of a time when you weren’t really open to hearing the Father’s answer? Maybe you already had your mind made up about what you wanted to do or what you thought was best. But when God started to speak to you, were you willing to hear what He had to say? Was your heart ready to obey?
Like Adam and Eve, and the people Jeremiah prophesied to, most of the time we are not setting out to purposely rebel against God. The problem is actually more deeply rooted in our hearts than that. The reason we struggle to obey God is because we struggle to trust God. While we profess with our lips that God is a good and wise King, our actions sometimes show that we put more stock in our own judgment and abilities to run the show. But just as it was for the first man and woman, and the stubborn people of Judah, our own steps unguided by the light of the Holy Spirit always lead to the dead end of death.
We must trust God more and trust ourselves less; He must increase, and we must decrease (John 3:30). None of us are perfect in this area. Not one. But we don’t need to figure this out alone. God knows this fault in us, and it’s exactly why He came to save us from ourselves. We have a rescuer who will go after us no matter how far we’ve wandered from the path. Like a good Shepherd, our God will chase down the lost sheep and bring us back into the fold (Luke 15:4). And bit by bit, as we learn to trust God to lead our lives, we will experience life, abundant life.Through communion with God, we will be “transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
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65 thoughts on "Jeremiah’s Advice to Stay"
I am much or intuitive that I let myself be. The battle of my days comes from me fighting change (read:letting my comforts win) despite all the possibly better ways God has put in my path to grow and to give me “more time” in my days for him and myself.
I have bursts of passion, motivation, clarity, and energy;it’s time to equalize those bursts throughout my days. I need to stop obsessing over “fresh starts” and just stay. I’m not alone and cleaning up and refreshing / rebuilding my life.
A very timely message for now, and others times of disobedience in my life.
Thank you for this love.
Churchmouse, Preach it!
And I respond with an Amen!
Thank you my Lord for another day in our life.
CHURCHMOUSE, WOW!!! I love ❤️ it!!
Did someone tell you the church is closed? That’s fake news. The church is not closed at this time. The church has just left the building. We believers are the church. The church is not its building. The building is not the church. Buildings are closed, not out of fear, but out of love for our neighbors, preferring them over ourselves. Not out of fear but out of consideration. Perhaps one of the outcomes of this season is that believers rely less on a weekly corporate worship service to ‘count’ as evidence of their faith, and instead realize their personal lack and the need and opportunity to step into their faith a little deeper. Perhaps they spend more time on their own, reading their Bibles. Perhaps more moms and dads model being the spiritual head and teacher of the Word in their homes, instead of abdicating that role to Sunday school teachers and youth leaders. Perhaps believers reach out to the neighbors they barely know and they drop off groceries or slip them an encouraging note. Maybe, just maybe, the church will discover that it is most like the church when it isn’t in the building. Sure it will be wonderful to meet together as one local family of God in a building but maybe, just maybe, Sunday worship will become like running to first base. You run and you touch it, but the goal is to keep on moving, keep on going, all the way home. Sunday service is just one of the bases, tap and go. No, the church is not closed. It’s on a prolonged mission trip.
I love this so much!! “The Church is on a prolonged mission trip.” What a beautiful way to think about it.
Love this! I’ve been a member of two churches that did not have their own buildings, and honestly I love it. The church is not a building, it’s people coming together. Thanks to technology, we’re able to do that in real time. We’ve all been texting one another and though it hurts to not be physically with my fellow church members, I still feel spiritually together. And (a bonus of not having a building to pay for) our church has been able to financially bless people in our community who need help. It’s amazing to see what we can do in our area of Tucson that is impoverished.
Beautifully said, thank you for the encouragement ❤️
Amen!
Your words went straight to my heart ❤️ Thank you
Thank you, that is beautifully said!
Yes!! Hit the nail on the head.
Pam, I totally agree with you. The people of Judah had a hidden agenda. They wanted Jeremiah to tell them what they wanted to hear. They rejected Jeremiah even though they recently lived through the truth that Jeremiah had just delivered to them. My heart sank when I read the scriptures today. They made me reflect on the times when I’ve gone to God for guidance while concealing my own agenda. But nothing is hidden from God. He knows my thoughts before I even think them. Keeping my journal helps me to remember every situation that God has brought me through and how He is able to do it again. My daily prayer is, “God order my steps in Your word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me”. Praying for everyone ❤️
Wow, Amen, and I fully agree Tina, Churchmouse, Rebekah C, Heidi, Kara, Maura, Angie, Megan Ruth
You made me think Sue
Praying for Monie Mag, Tricia Cavanaugh and all the other nurses and healthcare workers and others on the front lines. Praying for your sister Cindy Angie. Praying for you Rachel.
Oh, my, the remnant ask for intercession by Jeremiah, who waits 10 days until he hears from the Lord, Who say, “Stay put!” I’m sure in the delay, they began figuring out what else they could do. Evidently, they wanted confirmation of their plan to move to Egypt. The wisdom of man is not the wisdom of God. And the memory of man is very short, as they forgot their promise to obey. We always think we must be moving and doing things to “handle” our challenges. But we really need to just “Say put” and wait for the deliverance of the Lord. This is my natural tendency–to be a “do-er” instead of a “be-er”.
Lord, You’ve been teaching me this over the past three years: how to take Sabbath rest in the midst of the many difficult circumstances of my life. This is a hard lesson for a “figure-out-er”. You’ve put our whole world in quarantine. As we wait, we must seek Your face and pray and wait for deliverance.
When I was in labor with my 3rd of 6 children (I usually had very long labors, even through #6, my labor stopped after a couple of hours. I was quite distressed, complaining, knowing I would have to once again go through the night. My husband went to get a cup of coffee. I began crying and saying, “It’s not fair!” I heard this voice say, “Well, you stupid little girl, I’m giving you a chance to rest!” I knew exactly Who was speaking, as that was the farthest thing from my mind. I immediately responded positively to this Sabbath rest. We must all right now look to Jesus and thank Him for that rest. May we see more of Him in these stressful times. Secrets of the Secret Place: there is no Plan B, only God.
Thank you Kaitie Stoddard, I have now found my new motto, “We must trust God more and trust ourselves less;…”. I will reword it to fit me, I must trust God more and trust myself less, but I needed this. I am in a way a lucky one right now I still am working because I’m a nurse but I’m not a nurse in what they are calling “the front lines”. I do private duty. I thank God through out my day that I have a job and since I’m over 60 that I’m not on the front lines of the nursing industry. I used to work in a long term care facility but after trying travel nursing I started private duty. At first I wondered if I had made the right choice but throughout the last year and a half I have realized this is where God has meant for me to be.
Lord, God I must trust You more and myself less. I ask you watch over those who are hurting, who need your help in many ways, whether with food, a job, a place to stay or love. I thank You for all You for all have done for me, my family, my SRT sisters, and my friends. Help the world get through this crisis we are in and draw us closer to You. Amen.
Test.
“I’m sure we’ve all asked God for wisdom and direction in big and small decisions. But can you think of a time when you weren’t really open to hearing the Father’s answer?”
I’ve been struggling with this question for a long time now. I’ve been in an off-again, on-again relationship for some time. We have both had a strong faith for years but there’s just some red flags regarding our compatibility. It’s a tough one for me, the concept of trusting God and also understanding my authority to make decisions the best I can. The people of Judah had Jeremiah speaking God’s direction directly to them! Now I’m not saying I would have responded to Jeremiah in a different way, but I am always stumped on how we can move forward in this day confidently knowing we are making the right decisions. I know there is peace that comes from prayer and surrender…but how do we decipher that? By a feeling? I am hesitant to rely on my “feelings” and say it is God speaking…
I guess what I struggle with is thinking I have surrendered time and time again and been open to God’s answer but then end up frustrated and regretful. Prayers would be appreciated with just experiencing peace in a way I never have and confidence to move forward in life knowing He is with me no matter what.
Stay safe everyone! xoxo
Praying for you, Rachel. Jeremiah 42:7 said that Jeremiah’s answer came ten days later, which was a fresh reminder of how much faithful waiting there is in the Old Testament (and ten days was short compared to so many other stories!). I don’t know about you, but I often expect to pray at night and wake up with the answer. I’ve experienced a similar struggle to yours years ago, so I can empathize with your scenario. I did receive an overwhelming and unmistakable feeling of peace beyond human comprehension during my decision making, and I was so thankful that God blessed me with it and that it stayed with me. I’m praying that God makes a direction clear to you and that your eyes and ears are open to see or hear that direction, whether through his quiet voice, a friend’s words, a stranger’s words, a pastor’s words, or words in scripture. He speaks in so many ways and his peace is powerful.
This is why God gave us His word, for such a time as this. Thanks be to God.
…..and SRT.
SRT ladies, I praise God for you. I praise God for your hearts of love. I praise God for His creation of you with your various voices that speak His truth, His hope, His encouragement, His love. We are all at different stages in this walk with Jesus. Each one makes a difference. Everyone matters. Spiritually young or mature, God loves us, His children. As I read your posts I thank Him for you, each of you…whether in the depth of your faith, or the questioning of a difficult situation. Always, as I look for your posts, I thank God for you, and do two things: I pray He will make us as bold and true in our lived-out-lives as we are in our digital, and give Him the glory and praise for our boldness and changed lives lived-out and digital.
Vulnerably I ask for prayer for my sister. I pray for her every day. She is young in her faith walk of sold-out living for Christ, while old enough in years of life, that her choice in a desperate situation will have lasting consequences either way. It is a mess, and it appears that evil is winning. She and I talked last night. Then my husband and I talked. And, I’ve been praying. It seemed like there was an evident answer. Then this morning I read our scripture from Jeremiah and I questioned if the evident answer, might not be so evident. It is one thing when I make a choice in my life that causes sacrifice or suffering. It is another when someone I care about asks for advice, to give council, that could cause suffering.
In today’s reading, I was struck with just how powerless Jeremiah was. The leaders asked for God’s council promising to obey. Jeremiah gave it. They disobeyed anyway. Jeremiah was taken with them in their disobedience. He didn’t have the option of staying and obeying what God was proclaiming.
Please pray with me that my sister (Cindy) would first clearly hear, and then obey the guidance the Lord gives her, whatever that may be. I pray for her to be in the center of God’s will. (Also, she is a nurse, she lives about 8 hours from me-so I feel helpless with hands-on help. She is dealing with this virus stuff on the front lines.)
At the same time I present this request, I proclaim the greatness of our God! My Bible app verse today was, Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” The picture of himself He gave me from Psalm this morning is amazing, AND, not even minutely close to His majesty and greatness.
Thank you prayer-warrior SRT sisters. Thank you, thank you, thank you God, our good, good Father.
As I read God’s answer to the remnant of the people —of His desire to relent, to rebuild, to pour out compassion, I thought of the story in 2 Samuel 24 where David numbers the people of Israel. Just as in the book of Jeremiah there were consequences for sin. In Jeremiah God sends Nebuchadnezzar. In 2 Samuel 24 David is actually given 3 choices for consequences. In Jeremiah God repeatedly tells the people to surrender to the invaders and promises to preserve them even in the midst of their captivity but they refuse to listen. They refuse to see what David understood so well. His message to Gad, the prophet, was this: “Please let us fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are great”. He understood that now matter what judgement would befall them the safest place to be was in the hands of God.
Let us trust in the mercies of our great God and rest in His sovereign control!
❤️
Is anyone else enjoying the irony of today’s message?
“Stay put!”
Is anyone else inwardly rebelling?
“No!”
I don’t think an OT story has ever hit so close to home (literally) as this passage does for me today.
I am also keeping track in my SRT Journal and today is day 33/49. The end of Lent is near – and this too shall pass. Praise the LORD!
Can I express an unpopular viewpoint in a Jeremiah study? Lol. Bible jokes, but really:
I had to comment because I’m just mystified by the groupthink I see everywhere during this epidemic, and wonder in Jeremiah felt the same way as he watched his people all nod their heads to each other over their great plans. Have we forgotten that he was an unpopular voice?
Honestly, I see us doing the same in the way we given god-level authority to “the plan” our culture has to fix the problem at hand. To me, the “easy path” is just not rocking the boat, and nodding as even small churches are shut down (but not abortion clinics). Obviously this virus is problematic to our vulnerable loved ones, but we forget that the church has continued to meet through plague and far, far worse trusting God— because meeting as the church body (even in small groups) IS essential. Does scripture call for safety at all costs, the way our self preserving culture does? No. Is it risky and unpopular right now to express these thoughts (ala Jeremiah) of faithfulness to God before all else. Yes. We do need to be wise, but also courageous.
So am I staying home and trying to be a good citizen? Yes. But honestly, influenza and car accidents (separately) have killed more people than Covid-19. Yet we are frozen. By. Fear.
But Jeremiah had to let his people go their own way. I don’t know the right course, but in the midst of all of the misinformation of the Internet, I just keep hearing God say: “I’ve chosen to blind these people to sense. You may be frustrated by the illogic of this whole situation, but I’m allowing their pride to make them dumb.”♀️
I know these are inconvenient questions to ask (fear almost kept me from posting this), but I do hope we are at least wrestling with these things.
Courageous in the way that we serve others who are currently suffering, yes absolutely. We change our lives and become “uncomfortable” (by some definition) so that others have a chance to live. I am so grateful for the internet and how it allows the church to meet during these times. Change is hard on a lot of people. But change can also be so good for the soul. I see more courage than fear. It takes courage and faith to keep others safe. Praying for all of those on the front lines who are doing the hard work right now.
Thank you for sharing this Erin. I too have wrestled with the social distancing thing. I understand the importance of it, but I think our society has taken it too far. I see all the people who are loosing their jobs, parents who are trying to juggle too many things and kids who aren’t learning what they should. don’t think we should put our government on the same level as Jeremiah, who was actively seeking the Lord’s guidance on what to do. I don’t know that our leaders are doing that. I have been praying the Lord leads them in what to do. I ask myself what the early church would do in the similar situation. I’m not entirely sure what the best course of action is, this is a whole new territory. Sorry for my jumbled thoughts, processing out loud. Thank you for your courage in sharing.
Thank you, Erin. I can honestly say, I am obeying the “social distancing” out of feeling the need to submit to the authority set before me at this time. I am trying to live out the mandate to love my neighbor as myself. I do not agree in totality with social distancing, but I feel it is a good “lesson” for all of us on submission, especially being that we as a society run from submitting to anything except our own fleshly desires.
I do feel God sees our hearts and He knows that our true desire is to please Him and honor and fear Him above man.
God has been using this time to speak to me through His Word more than ever before. I feel the distractions of everyday life had been in the way of me hearing Him so clearly. Instead of being gripped by fear, I have a peace that passes all understanding right now that can only come from Him.
As far as the church is concerned, I do feel God was cleaning house before all of this began and this is a continuation of that. I keep feeling that He wants a spotless Bride and ones whose hearts are all for Him, His ways, and His purposes. Our humanness in the church in regard to platforms and programs were getting in the way of people seeing the true heart of God. This social distancing is allowing everyone – every single person – to be on the same playing field, so to speak. Anyone can come to church on Sundays by tuning in on a radio or live streaming. It is quite amazing. Those that never would have set foot in a church due to hurts, habits or hang ups have been given an opportunity to meet God in their own living room.
Yes, I do agree with you about churches not being allowed to meet. But I also see God being glorified and magnified in all the earth through this in ways that we, even as the church, were not doing.
Amen Candy! So well put. Thank you for sharing. I love seeing the ways that The Lord is getting our attention and being glorified. What an opportunity we have been presented with to bring the hope and light of Christ during a challenging situation. We have the opportunity to be The Church in unexpected ways to our neighbors. Love it.
Thanks for your honesty. I don’t think it has always been explained well as to why we have to do this. But here is how I understand it. I live in Seattle, one the earlier places hit hard by the CV. We have been social distancing for a while now and are waiting and preparing for our large wave of patients with COVID 19 to hit the hospitals. Yet our hospitals are already getting full. As a result we currently have a field hospital set up on a large soccer field and a second one coming to Centurylink Field – where the Seahawks play! No elective procedures have been allowed for a couple of weeks already – including dental cleanings and eye appts – to save the equipment for COVID 19 patients. While it’s true that car accidents and the flu are deadlier, they occur over time. Not at once. We are doing this so as not to overwhelm our health care system. And so far the hardest hit American cities have a lot of healthcare available – hospitals, medical schools, etc. I too miss going to church but have enjoyed streaming as a family in our PJs. That said, I have experienced tons of emotions and keep asking God what He is trying to teach us here. I’m not sure.
I agree heartily Erin!
Praying for you, Monie. I pray everyday for the healthcare workers that God would give you rest, refreshment, strength and energy to serve wherever you are. I have a daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law who work in the health field. Thank you for you service to our communities and sacrificing for our wellbeing. God bless you and protect you!
This morning on the news we heard about a rich person giving a large sum of money to a city in need! Yea—- but then—- his statement about the people wanting sports to return— that we are brought together by sports— Oh how God is crying out to our nation to return to Him! Not ourselves…
This morning I let my mind soar as I read Psalm 104:1-4.
With my pen I drew God at the head (and in my mind and heart I saw His eyes shine forth holiness, righteousness, wrath, goodness, and love-yes, all of them)
Majesty and Splendor clothe Him like a cloak (Soft, bold, glittery, radiance pouring out).
I drew the canopy below Him of the sky, (His powerful presence above all), and tried to imagine the beams of his palace in the water above.
I drew (and imagined) a chariot of clouds that my Lord of Armies rides upon, with wing shaped wind beneath His feet.
I drew (and pictured in my mind), the wave of His hand or a puff of His breath sending wind messengers throughout the universe and flames of fire servants to do His bidding.
Then I sang, Blessed Assurance…with an added verse:
Simple assurance, lost soul finds rest.
Jesus’ blood covers, and I am so blessed.
Indwelled by His Spirit, heir to the throne.
Bowed in His presence, He calls me His own.
This is my life Lord, this is my call. Humbly before You, I give You my all.
Life lived out for You, kneeling, arms raised. The Author of Love is, the King of my Days.
This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior, all the day long
Yes, this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior,…all the day long.
Love the verse for Blessed Assurance! Thank you for your imagery and poetry!
Angie, I too had this picture in my mind- of God in his chariot riding on the wings of the wind in the clouds- it made me think of the Sistine chapel and images of DaVinci paintings came to mind. I heard the words of one of my favorite hymns – and in my mind sang along to your new addition to it.
That’s beautiful Angie x
praying for you Monie Mag. May you feel His love and protection around you as you serve all those He brings you. I use to do admissions in the ER. Such amazing servants praying for you all in this time. Know He is right there with you, the Everlasting Arms around you. Lord heal our nation, turn their hearts and minds to you. May we be your hands and feet right where we are. Guide us and teach us Your will. Open our mouth, give us your peace. Bring healing and peace Jesus. Almighty God there is none like you. Bless all these dear Sisters this day. Poured out love, grace and compassion. Holy God we love you.
Today I am asking my Father for His peace, the peace that transcends all understanding, that will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I am a nurse waiting in my hospital for the storm to hit. I am afraid. I am giving this fear to Jesus and thanking and praising Him for his faithfulness, unfailing love and protection. I believe Your word for me today right out of Jeremiah 42:11-12 “Don’t be afraid of the virus(king of Babylon)whom you now fear; don’t be afraid of it because I am with you, to save you and rescue you from it. I will grant to mercy and have compassion on you and allow you to return to your life” I will be staying put and caring for the sick instead of running away. I will rejoice in my Lord and pray for the sick, the healthcare workers and all those who are afraid.
God bless you for your faith and strength Monie Mag! I can sit back in my safe house and talk about the fear I’m going through for my son with cancer. But you, you are on the front lines, you are showing your faith, compassion and strength to those who need you. Peace I pray for you! Be safe sister❣️
Right back at ya, Tina!! Love you too! Social distancing with you is easy :) But oh the hug I’m gonna give you when we meet in heaven!!
Not just Tina, but all my SRT sisters. And especially Rachael and Amanda who started this site and has blessed us beyond what could be imagined. When God is in it, nothing can stop it!
Amen, Tina and Churchmouse. Love to all my SRT sisters ❤️
Ditto ❤️
Be still, and know that He is God.
Stay home, and know that you’re doing His will by protecting your community.
Be compassionate to yourself, and know that He sees your struggle.
Be at peace, for He is bigger than our current circumstances.
Be strong, for He has gone before us and has a path in place.
Praying for you sisters. These are scary times, but He is in control.
Tina, your words are so true for this strange time in our world. Father, let us be obedient to the government & experts, while trusting You with the ultimate outcome of this crisis. There is no one unaffected, so let us as believers let our light shine however we may! Don’t let us grumble & fume, but choose to use this time of stillness well.
Thank you, Rebekah C. for what you shared. It saddens my heart to watch my own children living through this struggle right now – wanting to follow their own hearts and their own plans – even though it goes against God’s plan for their lives. It’s so hard to watch your children turn their hearts so solidly toward sin, and away from God. It gives me a slight glimpse into how God felt about His own children, about us, whenever we stubbornly turn from Him. I am always encouraged when I hear stories that are shared about how someone went through a period of rebellion and God continued to pursue them and they turned around and ran toward Him. It is my prayer for my children every day.
Yes, yes. Amen.
Yes, yes.
Thank you, Churchmouse and Tina, for your words of wisdom. Let us trust God to work through our leaders, and let us not think we know better… To obey is better than sacrifice. Our God is faithful.
It’s been said by everyone so I’ll just add to the lot- it’s so true. So many times I’ve prayed His wisdom and direction, only so I can check a box that “well at least I asked”- but in my heart the matter was already settled and I was going to do it my way regardless. I’m praying for Him to continue to encourage my heart to remember that He loves me and any boundary or calling or direction or “limit” He speaks for me to follow is there for my protection. He’s already seen my whole life through the end- He has the most information on the topic!! :) He’s trustworthy.
I spent over ten years rebelling against God and taking matters into my own hands.
I remember those days. Many were spent in frustration, worried, obsessed with other people’s lives, angry, working hard to get what I thought I needed. At first, my determination and grit got me through a lot and further than many of my peers, but in retrospect it was only God blessing me, not my own doing.
I was like Jacob, struggling to get what I deserved, not accepting where I was, not accepting my own consequences, and blaming others. I distinctly remember a point where I stared madness in the face, the edge of a mental breakdown trying to force how I thought my life should be, and instead of dropping into the precipice, I ever so slightly leaned towards God and He caught me.
God is so good. Even after all the rebellion, the heartache and hurt after the fact, He accepted me fully, forgave me and gave me some wisdom I was lacking and I’m still learning to trust Him.
Patience and trusting God, no more inner turmoil, no more heartache, no more madness… let me rephrase, no more insanity. There is a certain amount of madness to God and what He does, it just doesn’t end with circling the drain. For His ways are not our ways…
The more I lean towards God, trust Him, trust His voice, the more I find myself in awe of how great God is and what He does with so little, if I just trust Him, with everything. And I mean everything.
I don’t got this, God’s got this.
Amen!
Amen.
Churchmouse, can i just say, I love you my friend.
In my thoughts and prayers..xxx❤
We can say we trust God, but do we really?
Thoughts to ponder…
Tina, you put into words my thoughts. Amen!
The remnant of Judah saw themselves between a rock and a hard place. Stay and try to eke out a living in a destroyed city, fearful of yet being killed there or surrender to the Babylonians (think ISIS) and be taken into captivity. Surely there was a third option! Egypt! The grass sure looked greener there. Peace and protection would be found there, right? So off they went despite the warning of God through Jeremiah. They would go to Egypt, the very place that had once enslaved them. Foolish Judah. They couldn’t understand that God’s plan to use Babylon was one to set them free. Their choice of Egypt would chain them once again to “sword, famine and plague.” Judah had come to a crossroads: to go their way or God’s way. God’s way appeared the harder route and so they chose what appeared to be the easier one. They chose comfort over challenge. They chose the familiar over faith. They chose their own will over God’s will.
How often do we do the same? We are called to walk by faith, not by sight. Yet we laser focus on our circumstances and how we can fix them. We glance at God and can’t imagine He would want us to have a wilderness or desert or captivity experience. We can’t believe He has purpose behind suffering or hardship. We can’t possibly be under God’s judgment and discipline because His job is to make and keep us happy (yes sarcasm). So we go our own way only to find out it is as He said, a dead end. It is always always always best to be in the center of God’s will. Seek first His kingdom. Seek His face. He will walk with us through the valley. He is absolutely trustworthy. Stand firm in the storm – He may just have us walk on water. And He will get us safely to shore. The grass beneath His feet is ever green.
Kaitie, your first two paragraphs could have been describing life right now, 2020, for the world in this season we find ourselves. The approach of ‘we know best’ or better even in the face of death or disaster astounds me, but here we are, still.. STILL, NOT listening. Not hearing the life saving words, words to keep us safe, our families safe..
Law unto ourselves comes to mind!
Stubborn too.
Right now, we need to hear the rules and regulations and guidelines for safety by our governments, but we also need as a people of God, to believe and trust in the One who takes care of the birds of the sky, HOW MUCH MORE US! Matthew 6:26
It can be so easy to trust in self, ohhh, but the trouble it brings,..
But God..
He sees us, He knows us, better than we think. He knows our sins, our faults, our wanderings, our stubborn hearts and STILL He wants to rescue us. Bring us to safer places in Him. Our best interests are His hearts desire..our well being, spiritual and physical is His hope for us..
Let us trust Him, hold fast to Him, knowing that here on earth, there are limits and limitations..
But with God.. we have ALL we need to see us through our seasons and beyond..
Amen..
Praying ..The Lord bless you and take care of you, that the Lord be kind and gracious to you, He look on you with favour and give you peace.
With love, Stay safe..❤
As I was reading, I too keep thinking what a parallel to today. They were being told to “just stay” as we are and God would keep them safe and not cause harm to them. I love the way you reflected on this!
Well said Tina. I see a lot of parallels in the book of Jeremiah and what is going on in our World right now. I think our leaders are experiencing what God does everyday. They see people not listening and doing as they should. They see people who think their way is better. I am using this time of isolation to really listen and hear what Jesus is trying to tell me.
❤️
Yes yes yes !
Amen!