Over the years, I’ve observed countless people who become derailed by the circumstances of life. Speaking as one who has failed many times, the key to long-term success is often in how you respond during the darkest days of your life.
I’ve always enjoyed the advice God gave His people when they were in captivity by a rival nation. Immediately before He told them they would be in captivity for 70 years, He told them to:
“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce.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. 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.” Jeremiah 29:5-7
He told them to keep living! In time (70 years in this case), He would deliver them, but in the meantime, they were to live life as they already knew to live.
By the way, that’s the passage from which we get a favored verse…one we love to cling to and offers us hope:
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.” Jeremiah 29:11
If you are in a season of captivity…if you can’t seem to find your way these days…if you are waiting for God to deliver you…don’t stop doing the good things you know to do. Don’t stop moving forward with what you have today. Don’t neglect the relationships you have now during your mourning of the relationship that you’ve lost. Seek ways to bless others as you wait for your blessing.
Don’t give up! Push forward, clinging to your faith, while you wait for God’s deliverance.
What you do and how you respond during the difficult days often determine the degree of success and enjoyment of the good days. Learning to navigate through droughts, disappointments and failure is a key towards enjoying the best of life and living as a person of faith.
Are you in a period of captivity? What keeps you moving forward these days?
WOW this article was written almost a year ago, and continues to be a blessing in 2012. I have been waiting on God to deliver me for almost 10 years. I now see my miracle on the horizon and I have stared to get anxious and impatient. This has caused me to somewhat neglect everyday life and responsibilities. After reading this article it has truly put things into perspective..and has caused me to understand God has it under control. I must continue to live life and wait for his will to be DONE! Thanks again for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you…
Amen. Praying for you now!
My mentor recommended this blog and I have LOVED lurking on it today! This post is my fave so far – to keep living under the banner of a promise while in the crucible – that is a steel-forged faith. Thank you for living out the calling on your life as a leader and blessing so many through it. You offer wisdom and grace – a powerful gift. God bless you. http://www.heidiwhitey.wordpress.com
Thank you. You honored me greatly with this comment
Ron, I have never seen those instructions in that light…that's really cool! Thank you for sharing and opening my eyes to this encouragement.
Thanks Chris. I think we often misuse the Jeremiah 29:11 verse apart from the understanding of the context in which it was given.
Thank you for being bold in your faith and reminding me of God's message.
Thank you.
Excellent point, well stated. Words like this are why I wish Christians wouldn't so generally neglect the Old Testament from some misguided idea that it's no longer relevant. There is much to learn in every one of the 66 books, not just the last 27!
I agree. It's the same God and He does not change.
Thanks for this post. While I haven't considered it a period of captivity, it is certainly a period of waiting. While I do continue to live life, I am expectant of what He has in store!
Thanks. I was playing off the Bible word and their situation by using the word captive, but often we do feel we are “held captive” by our circumstances…waiting for them to change before we do anything. God bless you as you wait.
Ron, great post. It's always good to be reminded about what we can do, and what God can do during tough circumstances. Often we try to do what only God can do. We're control freaks instead of simply settling down, in His Word and promises and waiting, persevering and worshiping. Thanks, Ron..
Thank you Wayne. Hope you are well.