Devotional April 24 2020How do we address fear through faith…by finding hope in the Gospel. Part 1
In the verses leading up to Jeremiah 29:10-11, God instructions the remnants of Israel that were taken into Babylon to carry on with life in this new norm. As God reveals His plan, it is very clear that it is going to be a while.
“This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 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 29:10-11)
Although the Israelites captivity was a result of idolatry, they were still God’s people. Even if that generation could not see it for themselves, they knew they had a future to hope for because of who they were. The Israelites return 70 years later, just as God promised.
Today we find ourselves navigating a similar path. Normal is as unfamiliar as living in a foreign country that requires adjustments to everyday life. There is an uncertainty that clouds what the future will ultimately be for us. However, just as the Israelites had hope in those days, we can find hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is because of the Gospel we have hope for the future and for the reality we face right here and now. Since our identity is found in Christ, our life has meaning and purpose that are not shaped by our own abilities or anything going on outside of us.
Therefore, the pandemic we are facing does not change the status of our identity. Losing our job doesn’t make us worthless because our worth comes from the One who was sacrificed on our behalf. Our inability to be patient with our children at home is an opportunity to trust in God’s mighty strength to be loving, kind and be an ambassador of God’s Grace. Even when we can’t see the future, our hope in the Gospel gives us purpose and meaning right now, even in this difficult time. May we all lean on Him and find His hope and purposes during this difficult time.