By David Faust
Marcus enjoys playing the guitar and composing music. He dreams about performing in Nashville someday; but for now, his job as a sanitation worker enables him to support his family.
At a CIY conference when she was 15 years old, Sarah decided to become a missionary; but currently she is scraping together the money to pay for her college education. The mission field seems like a far-off goal.
Ann requires around-the-clock care, so she now lives in a nursing home. She misses the house where she lived for the last 40 years.
Love for God and country motivated Jason to join the military, but the Army deployed him to a cold, lonely spot in northern Europe where the main enemy he fights is boredom.
Those names are fictitious, but we can relate to the situations. What should you do when your circumstances don’t match your dreams and aspirations? The prophet Jeremiah wrote a letter to the Jews who were exiled in Babylon, hundreds of miles from Jerusalem. Their surroundings felt foreign and their future looked bleak. Jeremiah’s message to them can help any of us who find ourselves in uncomfortable situations.
Bloom Where You Are Planted
The prophet advised, “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce” (Jeremiah 29:5). Don’t whine about your new surroundings; make the most of the opportunities. You will be in Babylon for a while, so adapt and grow there.
Be a Force for Good and Make Things Better
The Jews didn’t want to be in Babylon, but instead of complaining, Jeremiah counseled them to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city . . . because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). The godly prophet Daniel rose to a position of influence and became a force for good in a pagan society that needed his wisdom. An older friend of mine isn’t happy about living in a rehab center, but she is a force for good there, praying for her caregivers and encouraging other residents in Jesus’ name.
Trust That God Is Leading
Four times in his short letter, Jeremiah mentioned that the Lord himself carried the people into exile (vv. 4, 7, 14, 20). Technically the Babylonians were the ones who did that, but behind the scenes, a divine plan was being fulfilled. “In all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
Don’t Be Deceived
The Lord warned his people not to listen to deceivers who “are prophesying lies to you” (vv. 8-9). When circumstances distance us from our spiritual support systems and we move away from encouraging friends or a familiar home church, it’s tempting to compromise our values. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18), we must remember who we are and what we believe.
Never Lose Hope
God promised the exiled Jews, “For I know the plans I have for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Eventually their long exile in Babylon would end and God would restore them to their land. Meanwhile, they needed to trust the Lord’s assurance, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
God remains faithful in any situation—even when we feel like strangers far from home.
Personal Challenge: At times, do you feel like a stranger in today’s cultural environment? Identify one practical step you will take to serve the Lord faithfully while you await his future blessings.
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