"Your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing." - 2 Thessalonians 1:3b

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Jeremiah 27-31 – Timing is everything


In this passage we see that Israel is being taken into captivity.  God tells Jeremiah to prepare a sign that all of the neighboring countries would be subject to the king of Babylon.  But why would God purposefully allow His people to be taken into captivity?  Why would God command them to submit to an evil king?

We as Christians, often ask this same question, but maybe in a different context.  “Why is God allowing this to happen to me?”  “Why can’t I get ahead;” “Why is God not answering my prayer?” 

Probably the most familiar verse in this passage is Jeremiah 29: 11 (ESV) – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”  God is in control and His timing is perfect.   If you are a parent, you know that you only want the best for your children.  And, as a parent, you also know that you and your child don’t always think alike.  Children want things now (at least mine do) and they can’t understand why they must wait for something.  As parents we try to teach our kids that some things just take time and that this is a good lesson on patience.  How often though do we fall into the same mentality. 

God’s will is sovereign, and as His children, God only has our best in mind.  Our best  though may not be what we thought.  There may be correction needed or maybe we need to be more patient.  Maybe God is teaching us to trust Him more.  Verse 12 implies if you seek me you will find me, if you search with all your heart.  Finding that perfect will for our lives will most likely not fall into our laps.  There will need to be some diligent seeking and praying. 

Whatever the lesson, just remember that God’s will and way is perfect.  What He has promised, He will do. 

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