The Story - Chapter 18 - Jeremiah 29

No matter how bad things get for us, no matter how difficult the journey or our present captivity may be, there is HOPE.  As Believers, we know Jesus and we can cling to every promise He gave. The Israelite nation also was given a promise and Hope.  God said to Jeremiah these famous words, words we often grab on to when things get rough.

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)
 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile." 

There are times in all of our lives when the season that lies ahead seems endless. We receive a diagnosis of an illness we must battle for some length of time, or maybe we find ourselves in the midst of a relationship that is going down-hill.  Israel found herself in captivity, in bondage in a foreign country.  If they were listening at all, they know it will be long-lived.  And even now, God holds out His hand, He extends His love and forgiveness with the encouraging words of Jeremiah 29:11.

God was telling them and He is telling us, get comfortable, make the best of things.  Set up your house, get to know your neighbors, take care of yourself, for I am with you.  This won't last forever, but it will last for a while.  Learn, live and love during this season.  Seek after Me.  Pray to Me.  I will listen.


Read Jeremiah 29 here

Listen to Jeremiah 29 here