For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. - Jeremiah 29:11
"If you belong to Me (God) then trust that I am up to something. Trust that there are things I can accomplish that you can’t even imagine right now in the in-between time. Look to me right now and work for peace and lives that flourish. Oh, and pray to ME."
Greg Holder
Lamentations 3:21-24
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Conversation:
How are you feeling living in this unknown, in between, time?
Do you feel like this idea of hope is, pie in the sky, wishful thinking or truly rooted in the Eternal one, the God of the universe?
How do you think it fell on the ears of the people (Her 29) to know they would be stuck in Babylon for 70 years?
Is it possible to have strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow?
How can you prepare yourself for this in between time.
What's one thing you can do right now to better live in this in between time?
Remember:
- Don't forget who you are. Settle in your identity. You are loved. You are liked. God delights in you.
- This is going to be longer than you want. Adjust now and know that He is with you.
- Do what is life giving. Plant gardens, build houses, raise families.
- Work for the peace and welfare of this new place you find yourselves. Flourish in all it's forms, spiritually, physically, emotionally, relationally...