For years I have had the verses from Jeremiah 29 posted on my refrigerator. You know the ones that read, "I know the plans I have for you...'(verses 11-13). I've heard them so often quoted to bring comfort to those who are going through difficult times.
What I did not realize is why those verses are there.
Jeremiah was writing to those folks who had been carried off to Babylon. You know, Daniel and his friends. "Well, that's interesting," I thought. But there was more. I'm sure it was mentioned in a Bible study or even a sermon, but I simply do not remember anyone pointing out and 'connecting the dots' in verse 4.
God caused them to be taken there.
Now, just think about that. Here are some well-to-do-believers following all the precepts of God, taken away from their home to a foreign land to serve in the courts of a king who could care less about their God or their beliefs.
Yes, the Babylonian army took them because of their social standing. But more importantly, God ordained the righteous to go too.
Verses 5-10 tell them to relax...start families...make a life for themselves...don't believe everything they hear...they are going to be there a while.
Jeremiah's letter had to have arrived to Daniel and all his friends because there is no mention of any one trying to escape and return back to Israel. Perhaps this letter made the suffering, challenges and testing a little easier to manage.
I have to wonder. How many times does God place difficult situations in our paths on purpose? How many times was I just to relax, get on with life, etc. rather than worrying about getting out of the stressful situation and back to where I was?
Or, was I focused on the problem or change rather than looking to see what I needed to do for God in the situation I was in?
No one wants their peace disturbed in their lives, I know I don't, or their faith tested. But, sometimes it appears God does. And when it does, He walks right beside us all the way...for He knows the plans He has for us.
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