God has plans...

 "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." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

How many times have you seen that verse on t-shirts, posters, coffee mugs, etc.  Yet, like all of Scripture, it is SO important to look at the context of this verse.  In my reading thru the Bible this year I have hit the book of Jeremiah; I've been intrigued by the parallels of what Israel was doing and what is happening in our own country.  Now, disclaimer here...I am NOT saying I know the mind of God or that I'm making some statement on what exactly He is doing in our world right now.  But, I am going to share some thoughts that have been on my mind and some Biblical truths that I think are important to remember.  

From the very start of creation and all throughout time God has instructed us to put Him first.  The Israelites were promised their land and prosperity if they kept God's commands.  In Jeremiah, when God says that Israel will be taken captive and lose, for a time, that land and prosperity He reminds them that it is because of their disobedience.  God is a God of truth and covenant; He will always fulfill His word; whether for blessing or discipline He cannot lie.  Just like Israel, our country (and in some ways the church) has turned away from God and is looking to man's wisdom and earthly pleasures.  

So, Israel is taken captive by Babylon.  They are in this foreign land and just trying to get through it.  Just like right now we just want things to go back to normal; I'm sure they were just trying to endure also, but that is not what God says for them to do.  God, in His lovingkindness, gives them comfort even in their discipline.  Reading through the entire chapter of Jeremiah 29 God instructs them to build houses, have their children marry, raise children, look to make Babylon a better place "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" Jeremiah 29:7  It's like God is saying, Look, you messed up and so I'm moving you out of the promised land, you're going to be in Babylon awhile but use this time to rebuild the Israelite nation, multiply and as you raise up this next generation teach them to be a generation of prayer.  This city where you are is an unbelieving city, a foreign land but be a light here.  Your prayers will lead to an easier time for you as I work in this city...because you are here...I am here..and I love you and will care for you...even in this foreign place. 

In verse 10 God reveals that the Israelites will be in Babylon for seventy years!  Yep, the verse right before the one so often quoted where God promises that His plans are for their good He reveals that they will live away from their homeland for seventy years; meaning many will never see their homeland again.  How can this be good?  The answer is in the verses following; verses 12-14 "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear 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 I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."  As so often shown in Scripture, God brings them out of their place of comfort, out of their place of complacency towards sin, their place of rebellion, so that they will realize again that it is ALL about Him.  That He is a God of truth.  That God's ways are always best.  God loves them (and us) too much to let us continue down a path of self-destruction.  He will get our attention!  This time in Babylon was meant to reteach the Israelites that God is the one who deserves all their honor, worship and praise and He is the one that provides. All they have is from Him and just like Job 1:21 says "The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away"  This time is a time to tear down pride and restore a right attitude of humility.  God cares for our hearts; He will bring us, if necessary, to very uncomfortable places so that He can draw us away from destruction and back onto His paths.  Proverbs 14:12 says "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." and Proverbs 3:5-7 reminds us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil."

So, how about us today?  Again, I'm not saying that I know what God is doing but let's use this time, this very uncomfortable time to draw close to Him, to make sure that our hearts are clean, that we are relying on Him for answers. Have we been looking to things other than God for our provision, comfort, joy or satisfaction? And rather than just trying to endure and get through this time let's seek God, for how He would have us use this time.  We have no idea how long this will last but what we do know is that God is still here; He is still working.  Just like He commanded the Israelites to pray for Babylon we are also commanded in the New Testament to pray for all people; including those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 says "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."  We as believers have the Holy Spirit in us, we have access to the God of the universe, we can go boldly to His throne knowing that he loves us and he hears us.  Let's use this time to pray.  Pray for those around us, for those in decision-making positions, pray that God would bring salvation to many and revival to His church.  May we use this time to be sharing Jesus with others; sharing the hope and peace that is only found in Him.  Call upon God.  Seek Him. He hears us.