“Even within your dilemma, he is reminding you that every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah predicted that Judah would be conquered by the Babylonians and taken into exile for 70 years. The Jews had rebelled against God and their captivity was the result. However, through Jeremiah, though angry with his people, God instructs them to make the most of their dilemma. He tells them to build houses, plant gardens and have children. They were to seek the welfare of the city where he sent them into exile. He was still with them.
Though God was angry, he still loved his children. Through the same prophet who predicted ruin he says, “I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. I will build them up, and not tear them down; I will plant them, and not uproot them,” and “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.”
You may feel as though you’re in exile today, far from your dreams of prosperity and peace. Could be you’re suffering the ills of a bad decision or a rebellious act but know this… your Lord will never leave you or forsake you. Abba Father loves you very much just as a regular dad loves his kids, though they may be stubborn or defiant at times. Even within your dilemma, he is reminding you that every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. So, don’t despair. Like the people of God in Babylonian exile, turn your eyes back to Jesus and make the most of your situation. He is still with you.
God-tracking is believing he with you through life’s predicaments
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Jeremiah 29:4-7
Jeremiah 24:4-7
James 1:17
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PRAY
I will give it all I’ve got in the hope that you will turn this predicament around and restore me in the land of your promise.
“Dear Father, forgive me for taking my eyes off Jesus. I confess and repent of any rebellion in my heart and turn back again to seek your face. I find myself in a dilemma today because of my poor judgement. However, I realise that you are still with me – even in this mess. So, dear God, I choose to make the most of this quandary by fixing my eyes on Jesus and working with all my might, in excellence, for your glory. I will give it all I’ve got in the hope that you will turn this predicament around and restore me in the land of your promise. Thank you, Abba. Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer today, please email me – dudley@godtracker.co.uk
Dudley Anderson
Originally from South Africa, Dudley Andersen now lives in the UK where he heads up Sure Reality Media and pastors Cornerstone Family Church in Worcestershire. He is married to Karen-Leigh and has two children, Kerryn and Ryan. Dudley has a background in radio and has worked for Radio Pulpit, Impact Radio and Christian Vision. Since 2005 he has produced diverse content for various Christian stations. He is the author of God-Tracking Through the Year and Overflowing Hope and writes a weekly e-mail devotional called, GodTracker. Dudley is also a worship leader.
