TRUST GOD’S PROMISES AND TIMING
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:10-11 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I know a lot of people who love to quote verse 11, “I know the plans I have for you…. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” But it seems very few people add verse 10 to the quote or give the proper context of the promise God gives.
God is speaking through the prophet Jeremiah to the people of Israel. They have just been defeated by the Babylonians and carried off to Babylon as captives of war. There are some “prophets” telling them God is going to rescue them and quickly allow them to return home. But God’s word to the people is they are going to stay in Babylon for seventy years. Then they will be allowed to return home.
There are several observations we can make in this passage. First, God always has a plan. Our lives are not a series of coincidental events. God is working when we don’t understand it and don’t see Him. I have often said we see God’s plan a lot easier in the rearview mirror. We often see how He has worked after He has worked.
I know in my personal life I have reflected on the way God has worked and realized He has done some amazing things I didn’t see in that moment.
Secondly, God’s promises require God’s timing. In this case God told them there would be seventy years of waiting. That meant many of the people would not live to see the promise of return the place.
We must be willing to yield to God’s timing to fulfill His promises. If we try to “help God out” we can really mess up His will and plans. (Consider Abraham and Sarah trying to help the promise of an heir.)
Thirdly, God’s promises are always good. God has a good plan for me and for you. He wants to release good things into our lives. He wants to work in us and through us to accomplish His kingdom on this earth. He wants us to be blessed so we can be a blessing.
Let’s trust God’s promises and His timing. Let’s be patient in the waiting. Let’s accept His blessings as an opportunity to bless others.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to see Your work and will in my life. Help me to trust You. Help me to know my response to Your blessings.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”