Every believer loves Jeremiah 29:11
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.
Few know the context.
Judah is in captivity due to not keeping the sabbath, idolatry and a host of other sins. You, on the other hand, are not being disciplined, it just so happens that where you work it sure feels like exile.
Here are a 4 pieces of advice that God gives the exiles while they are in captivity that may help you while you serve in a difficult place.
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.” Jeremiah 29:5
Until God changes your circumstances, or location, settle in and become a part of the body you are serving.
“Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease.” vs 6
Reproduce. Make disciples. Do not decrease what God has called you to do. Be spiritually fruitful and multiply. In other words, be productive while you’re there.
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” vs 7
Pray for your church and your pastor. Slacking off because you think, “They don’t deserve my best” only hurts you. Make things work to the best of your ability and you will prosper in the long run.
“When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. “vs 10
My guess is you will not be in that church forever. It’s possible that after this ministry season is when the dreams God dropped into you’re heart about ministry become reality.
God sees you. God has not forgotten you. And yes, God has a purpose, a plan and a promise waiting for you in and after this season.
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