Six years ago, on this day, I said both hello and goodbye to my sweet baby boy Gideon. Through his life and death, I tasted destruction and the threat of despair for the very first time. I moaned and wept as the walls I had built around my life came crashing down. I wondered, can God possibly heal this?
The words of Jeremiah chapters 46–48 detail another destruction story, one where we find despair in almost every verse, leaving us to wonder if hope for humanity is even possible. Can God possibly heal this?
The people of Egypt “are terrified, they are retreating… terror is on every side!” (Jeremiah 46:5). The Philistines “will cry out, and every inhabitant will wail… they will be utterly helpless” (Jeremiah 47:2–3). The Moabites “will be shattered; her little ones will cry out” (Jeremiah 48:4). Darkness had fully overtaken these countries, and we learn why: because they trusted in their “work and treasures” (Jeremiah 48:7). And yet, for those who put their trust in God, there is a light that rises up. In the middle of the dark, destruction, and despair, we see that God has never left the side of those who call Him Lord.
No one in humanity is spared; death will reach each and everyone of us. At some point, whether Israelite or Egyptian, Christian or non-Christian, the walls of our lives, our cities, our possessions will come crashing down. But for those who do put their hope in God, we are not to be afraid because He promises to be with us (Jeremiah 46:27–28). Our hope does not lie in circumstances, works, or treasures; therefore, we have nothing to fear.
“Do not be afraid.” These were the words my sweet Jesus brought to my mind every morning after Gideon died. In the moments when I was beating my pillow and pleading with God to somehow give me my baby back, He was with me. In the mornings when I wept at Gideon’s graveside, wondering if I would ever get up, God was there. This is the promise we have when we give our lives to Jesus. When we choose to follow God, when we accept Jesus’s death for us as atonement for our sins, and when we seek to follow Him each and every day, then even when terror and wailing come, we have hope.
So He’s shown me the answer to my question is, yes, God can heal even this, whatever this may be. And so it is within these passages from Jeremiah: Yes, God can heal this too. Therefore, we stand in confidence, and in all things remember that, “As for man, his days are like grass… But from eternity to eternity, the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear him” (Psalm 103:15,17).
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58 thoughts on "Reassurance for Israel"
What a beautiful story of hope and courage, thank you for sharing your son’s story with us Linda. And praise God for the courage that your sweet son gave you.
Yes, God can heal even this.
Melanie, I can only imagine the pain and suffering you and your family have gone through. Your faith is strong and you have persevered. I am praying for you and your children that you see God’s favor and love poured out over your lives. May He bring complete healing to your children. Lord, give them the ability to forgive and don’t let a bitter heart take root.
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Yes, I too, 33 years ago, put my tiny son into Jesus’s arms. I too know the grief, the anger, the “why me” and the “why not.” Finally I am at peace with it and grateful for the 9 months and 2 days I had and knew this angel. On the night he passed I had what may have been a vision or a waking dream. I saw Jesus holding Evan and gazing down at him with a look of infinite love. Then I knew: all is well and all will be well. I confess I’ve been afraid of death my entire life after nearly drowning as a toddler, but after Evan, knowing he has passed through the veil, along with so many loved ones, gives me a bit of courage.
Kara – praying for you . This is hard, difficult-to-wrap-your-head-around times. May you feel the peace that passes understanding.
Sweet Maria Furlough, thank you for your devotional, your rawness, and your healing journey. I wept for you and your son today. I pray you felt Jesus presence today. How brave of you to talk about it so others can find comfort.
Amen Doris, Blessed Beth, Dee Wilcox, Churchmouse, GrammieSue, Tanya B, Lizzie, Kelcy Pryor, Jenna, and Jennifer Anapol
Tina don’t know if you have listened to the song “Alive” by Big Daddy Weave but it repeats your favorite phrase “but God” in it and the first time and every time I hear it I think of you.
Angie, I feel much the same way you do. I have a motto of “Let God and let go.” I love your To-Do-List I think I ill adopt it if that’s okay.
Laurie Winters it’s a God thing.
Sherry I sent a son to be with the Lord but not as an infant like you, he was 18 years old and knew Christ and lived for and loved Christ and God.
Melanie Braun I am praying for you and your family. When my oldest son died at the age of 18 my other son, niece and nephew didn’t and still don’t understand why God let it happen and that was in 2003.
Praying for you Kara.
Beautifully stated Dorothy ❤️ Thank you for the devotional today Maria, it really touched my heart ❤️.
I love that the love of God is faithful. His love is what we can count on during these uncertain times. He is where we can turn and find our peace, strength and comfort.
“But you, my servant Jacob, do not be afraid.” (Jeremiah 46:27). I’ve heard it said that God reserves some of his best promises for fearful people. I think we see Jesus acknowledge the reality of fear when he says, “I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves.” It’s as if he’s saying, “Look, I know you live in a dangerous, chaotic, and broken world. You have legitimate reasons to feel afraid sometimes.” But what a promise to know that the Lord of Armies, the Good Shepherd is with us, that he knows what each day will bring, and he has promised to provide for us each day.
As I read these words “And yet, for those who put their trust in God, there is a light that rises up. In the middle of the dark, destruction, and despair, we see that God has never left the side of those who call Him Lord.” by Maria Furlough I knew God had everything under control. Then when I went on to read “Our hope does not lie in circumstances, works, or treasures; therefore, we have nothing to fear.” I could feel God and Christ at my side. I believe this devotional God sent us at this time to remind us and help through these days of concern. God wants us to turn our worries, concerns and cares over to Him. Remember what Psalm 103:17-19 says
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
So many of us are hurting and going through a very hard time either from isolation or daily pain from our past. But be strong in the LORD for he is good! He alone can bring peace and restore our hearts to follow him and rest on him. Times like now is that we need to check up on our neighbors and tell them that God has a plan for us and It’s a good plan. Jeremiah 46:28, the last 2 verses hit me deep. God disciplines us like his children but he will not make us go through something we can’t overcome. He is just, righteous and a loving father. Cling to him and tell him your worries and pain. Thank you everyone for sharing their stories. I hope each and everyone can find peace with God. ❤️
“So He’s shown me the answer to my question is, yes, God can heal even this, whatever this may be. And so it is within these passages from Jeremiah: Yes, God can heal this too. Therefore, we stand in confidence, and in all things remember that, “As for man, his days are like grass… But from eternity to eternity, the LORD’s faithful love is toward those who fear him” (Psalm 103:15,17).” Yes, God can heal even the damage done by this terrible virus. Thank you for this needed reminder!
I went to bed very late last night! My own fault. And as I really wanted to sleep, my daughter really wanted to talk. She wept, and talked and I did my best to listen. She was already awake when I got up this morning. We read God’s Word and devotional together. Maria’s words were so timely. A couple of times I broke down reading it but made it through. I am blessed that my daughter was next to me listening. I pray that it gives my daughter hope that her heart will heal and that she does not need to be afraid because God is with her.
He is a God of miracles. I’m praying for your children. For total healing from this betrayal. To be free from the hurt. To see Gods unfailing love for them. That this sin will not destroy them, and they will be blessed.
❤️ thank you
Praying for you Kara.. hoping, NO knowing, the God who says Do not fear, is the same God who will hear the cries of one He loves so desperately, and around whom, He will wrap His loving arms in comfort and His goodness and peace..
Love wrapped hugs Kara.
Ge us near, always to the broken hearted..❤
Melanie, I am so sorry to hear that happened to your family. Praying alongside you that God can and will heal all things. Nothing is too big for Him.
Kara praying you feel the Lord’s love overwhelm you. He loves you so and will hold you in His grace. Know He never leaves you. Peace to your heart. What strikes me again in today’s reading is God’s continued grace for and desire for His people to draw near to Him. Past His anger always into Love
Thank you ladies for your daily dose of confident hope! Blessed to be a part of this group of God seekers who so openly share their hearts and encouragement!
“When we choose to follow God, when we accept Jesus’s death for us as atonement for our sins, and when we seek to follow Him each and every day, then even when terror and wailing come, we have hope.” -Maria Furlough. And hope does not put us to shame, Romans 5:5. We live for Him because He lived, died, and rose, willingly, for us. John 10:16-19. Now our life is in Him, Colossians 3:3-4. So we willingly bear suffering, persecution, hurt, we forgive and live in God’s ways. I pray that I would glorify Him in all I do, trust Him because of who He is, and never put my trust or allegiance in anything or anyone else. Collosians 3:17.
Praying for you Kara.
Fear is void of faith and faith only show up when we trust. Trust God and prosper. This is my daily
So many of us walk around with deep pain. Some is self inflicted but much if it stems from the brokenness of the world. Only He can redeem this pain.
Yesterday was a rough day of feeling pain, isolation, and sadness. Today I am looking for Him – to remind me He is close, that I don’t necessarily need my normal patterns and supports to move forward.
Will you pray for me sisters? That I will seek Him and He will overwhelm me with his goodness, peace, and wisdom of how to proceed? I am lifting all of you up this morning.
Praying Kara that God would overwhelm you with His love and mercy. May you feel His presence surround you. Father God, give Kara direction and guidance as she seeks to do Your will in her life. Open doors for her in the directions You want her to take and give her peace and not fear as she learns to hear Your voice.
I’ve put Romans 12:12 prominently in my living room during this time. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Last week I was really floundering, worried and anxious.
But God.
Yes, God!
I spent a whole day reading and praying His Word. And He reminded me of all the ways He has been with me, and taken care of our family, healed my cancer, the list goes on….
He never leaves us or forsakes us. He is faithful.
And He is in control.
He has a perfect plan.
So I cling to Him when fear threatens to rise up. In Him I have hope.
Blessings to you ladies. ❤️
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Can’t you hear Judah crying “It’s just not fair!” After all, they were the chosen people, dragged off in captivity. Surely their sins weren’t as bad as the Babylonians. They were a ruthless and cruel nation. Why would God do this to Judah and seemingly overlook the evil of the Babylonians? God graciously tells Judah that He will deal justly with all nations, just as He always has. God is disciplining Judah for their good and He will bring them back “from the land of their captivity.” As for all those other nations who have sought the destruction of Judah, He will bring destruction on them. God is a just God. He is fair. Judah has hope because they are God’s people. He will not abandon them. Yes, He will discipline them, but He will not leave them. So too for us. God disciplines we believers but He will not, cannot, abandon us. He will not, cannot, leave us. He will deliver on every promise. His love is that great. Our hope stands firm, on unshakable Rock.
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalms 73:25-26 ESV
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,”
John 6:68 ESV
Thank you, Maria for sharing about your precious Gideon. I have read your book too! I buried my baby. She was stillborn. Many that are on here may remember me writing about her. I was catholic, went to church, had ccd classes, but didn’t have a clue about the Bible, God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. I thought of God as being up in Heaven out to get me if I did something wrong. I had been tormented by the enemy for years too. I didn’t know that God has defeated him. I was blaming myself for her death. It must have been my fault I would think. After her burial, my sister-in-laws, father-in-law, invited me to his church. I went, and I was so angry. My milk came in, but I had no baby to feed. People were clapping and praising. I thought they were crazy! A certain lady caught my eye. I thought, no wonder she can be so happy. She probably has the perfect life. That same woman came up to me, and said that she normally didn’t do this, but God told me to tell you to run to Him and not away! I came to find out, that she didn’t have a perfect life! She had a miscarriage, money problems, and more. Why could she praise? She had the joy of the Lord. She was used by God to help me on my journey by listening, teaching, writing a letter to me, and giving me praise music to listen to. I’ve learned that ever life has a purpose! That has been comforting to myself and others are have shared this with! Again, every life has a purpose! That day I listened to the pastor and he told us about the Gospel. I went to the front. My mother in law said I ran down! I wanted salvation! The sermons and hearing God’s Word were what I craved. I needs to hear about Him, because my days were excruciating at times after her death. Her life had and has a purpose. I’ve been able to help others that have gone through losing a child.Maybe God is calling one of you to that today. As some ladies grow in their faith, the walk along side a younger or new believer. We can still do that through technology. The death of my daughter brought me to hear about Jesus. The God I thought was out to get me did that for me. This recalling is actually hitting me right now. He does love me/us. He does chase after us! I’ve been doubting recently that I am even His, but I am! I didn’t think this would happen when I started writing. I thought I should just share my story. How awesome is God to touch me with and remind me of His Goodness and love.He doesn’t leave or forsake us! I am His!!!! I can’t help but think of the song, Reckless Love: https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE. Thank you again, Maria for today’s devotional and your book. It let’s me know that others have struggled too in their thought life too. Be blessed!
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This brought me to tears, thank you for sharing!!
Oh Sherry I’m so sorry, it’s a “club” that none of us want to be in but I do believe that God is especially gentle to His baby loss Momma’s. Thank you for sharing. And Amen to those words from Job, that is a good word right there sister!
Maria, I share your story, as I also placed my baby in Jesus’s arms many years ago. I walked that path of devastating grief with God and came out on the other side filled with peace, hope and closer to my God. The story that finally brought me to that point was Job’s story. The words I heard were “ I am God, and you are not.” I hold on to these words today. I trust God in the storm the world is experiencing today and I rest in His arms.
The faithful love of the Lord is toward those who fear Him… I needed that reminder today.
We know you had these devos written before this pandemic, but oh my how relevant they are for today. “Do not be afraid, do not be dismayed, for I am with you” Thank you God that you and you alone are in control. We trust in your ways!
Amen!
Even during this time, when our normal lives are turned upside down & fear can take hold, we cling to the Rock that is immovable, unshakable! What else do we have? The love of God, our eternal salvation through Jesus’ death & resurrection, the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit—to these we cling, feeling His love, strength & peace even as the days seem so uncertain. Thank you Father, that Jeremiah shows us your infinite patience & grace in spite of our sin & disobedience. We love you Lord.
Maria, thank you for your devotional today. I have wondered at times if there is something wrong with me because while I am careful and try to heed the warning and requirements, I do not normally feel fear during this time. When the darkness tries to invade I remember my “more of God hunt” and find He is everywhere. If I have to go out, I keep my head up and eyes open, looking into the face of others and smiling because there is hope. It is in Jesus.
All does not have to be perfect for me to have hope. Two years ago, a heartbreaking situation brought me to a place I might not have found without the pain. I had idols on the throne of my heart. I needed a purifying heart-cleaning. God does not share His throne, nor should He. There are times I break down and weep, on my knees before the Lord for the heartbreaking situation is still broken. But most of the time, thankfully, He pulls me into His arms of comfort and just holds me in His Love. He reminds me that He is God. I can trust Him. I will trust Him in all things.
This pandemic situation has not paralyzed me with fear. It seems like if I use the brain God gave me and have wisdom…following the guidelines and doing my best and I still get sick…I will either get really sick/then get well, or get really sick and die/in which case I will be in heaven…with my Lord. It feels like a win/win. I recognize there are lots and lots of side effects of this but, it is not my job to carry that burden. I could bury myself in what ifs. Instead I think we are called to be Light in the darkness. So I keep my head up and look people in the eye pouring out a vision of the only true Hope, Jesus Christ. This is a time to Love as He directs us to Love and to remind a lost world that there is a Savior who gave everything for them, for us.
I have a notecard on my prayer board that reads: My To-Do List for Today -count my blessings. -practice kindness. -let go of what I can’t control. -listen to my heart as God directs it -be productive yet calm. -just breathe
I love your “My To-Do List for Today”, Angie. I may have to use that :)
Love this. Thanks for sharing.
Angie, thank you for this to do list. We so often forget these simple things in our lives and it is good to be reminded. I have been feeling a little anxious about this virus as I am one of the “at risk” groups and your perspective has helped me. God bless you and your family. Penny
Amen and thank you
A great read and reminder! Thank you!
Always so encouraged by your words, Angie. Thank you for sharing. God is with us. He has given us not a spirit of fear but power, love and self-control (2 Tim 1:7). Your words embody that truth so well. ❤️
Love this! Thank you Angie
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Most here know my story. Most of you have journeyed with me, not quite the whole way, but a long while now, and I absolutely echo the words of Maria, the journey of loss, pain, grief isn’t an easy one, the journey doesn’t stop the hurty heart, or the tears from falling, or the pain and sadness…
But God..
Oh But God…
Without Him. Without his loving arms, grace, kindness, support, strength HOPE, I imagine a pit that I would not have been able to get out of..
When God met me in the church that day, frightened, lost and broken, and a mess, He didnt just answer my prayer, and I might add, not at all in the way I imagined, or, to be honest, what was I hoping for?
He began to heal me!
But God.. Again, yes, But God… he showed me a picture that has served me well, and helped in my healing, that has been the salve for many a moment of sadness and grief..a picture that for sure says …’Do not be afraid, I’ve got this. I am with you, and yours is with me, safe until you are called home..’
‘..But you my servant Tina.., do not be afraid..’
Holding fast to you Lord God, holding fast.. Thank you Lord God for everything. You are my God, my God in whom I trust.. always..
All praise to you Oh Lord.. thank you.
Sending love wrapped hugs and prayers for you all to know His nearness in this storm..❤
Isaiah 26:20 says “Go my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by.”
God is with us, He cares and loves us. May we become stronger, humbler, more dependent and more faithful in His word during this time. I find I am doing more for God during this time and doing it with joy. He is in control and I am praying for each of you ladies and your love ones.
Thank you for sharing this verse, Beth!
❤️
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Just before reading today’s lesson, I read the story of Jesus and the disciples in the storm on the sea. It was on my heart to read it because I remembered two questions that He asked them after they awaken Him in fear of perishing. He asked them, “why are you so fearful?”, and “how is it you have no faith?” My devotional this morning was, “ close the the door to fear”. And now the verse today in this reading plan, Be not afraid”. This truth will be with me throughout this day. Really, what do we have to fear? If He said, fear not, let not your heart be troubled, that means He has everything under His control. Oh that men would praise Him for His wonderful works to the children of men!
Mark 4
Psalm 107
Thank you for your words.
Thank you for your words!
Beautiful post, thank you
Thank you my Lord help us to depend on you.