Today’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 23:33 through Jeremiah 24:10; Jeremiah 29:1 through Jeremiah 31:14
What do you do while you’re waiting for your prayers to be answered?
…Worrying
…Complaining
…Doubting
…Living in fear
…Trying to fix it yourself
…Praying
…Believing God
…Thanking God in advance for answering your prayers
In today’s reading the Jews were waiting…
The Israelites from Judah had been carried away to Babylon; uprooted from their homes, their land, their temple and God’s Presence.
They were God’s chosen people; how could this be happening to them?
Then the Lord gave me (Jeremiah) this message: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: The good figs represent the exiles I sent from Judah to the land of the Babylonians. I will watch over and care for them, and I will bring them back here again. I will build them up and not tear them down. I will plant them and not uproot them. I will give them hearts that recognize me as the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me wholeheartedly. –Jeremiah 24:4-7
If I had been Jeremiah and received this message from the Lord I would have thought, “this is great news, we’ll just wait it out and they will be home soon; one or two weeks at the most and life will be back to normal.”
God’s plan wasn’t a week or two of captivity, it was 70 years.
70 YEARS!!!
Friends that’s a lifetime!
I guess the Lord knew this news would paralyze the Israelites so he sent waiting instructions through Jeremiah. (Jer.29:4-7)
- Build homes, and plan to stay
- Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce
- Marry and have children
- Find spouses for your children so you will have many grandchildren
- Multiply, do not dwindle away
- Work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent your into exile
- Pray for this city—it’s welfare will determine your welfare
My response would have been–
But that’s not the way I planned it!
God’s response was—
“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. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land. –Jeremiah 29:10-14
What prayers are you waiting for God to answer?
I think John Waller’s song, While I’m Waiting could be designated as our official “waiting” song.
Heavenly Father, help us to “wait well.” Thank you for the assurance of your good plans for us. Teach us to trust you while we’re waiting. Help us to wholeheartedly serve you while we’re waiting!
In Jesus’ Name. Amen and Amen!
© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 31:15-40; Jeremiah 49:34 through Jeremiah 51:14
