WE CAN (should) LEARN A LOT DURING DIFFICULT TIMES

BIBLE PASSAGE:
And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according
to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28)

MEDITATION:
Most everyone experiences a time when everything seems to go south
in their life. And when that happens, others may say to us, or we may
decide for ourselves, that we should, “Just go on with life”. It may sound
like good advice, but is it?

If we experience a time when it feels like our world is caving in on us,
and all we do is try to get through it and keep moving forward, then
how have we benefitted from what has happened? We need to learn
from the Israelites when their world was turned upside down.

Sometimes our problems are a result of the actions or words of others,
but the Israelites were going through a difficult time due to their own
choices. They had allowed the attractions of the world to cause them
to not only turn their backs toward God, but to create manmade idols
to worship.

As a result, they were captured and put into captivity by the Babylonians.
This affected them in many ways including (but not limited to), fear, sadness,
uncertainty, anger, frustration of being in captivity by the ones they hated,
etc. They were wondering where God was, and how long would they be captives.

Imagine how they felt when Jeremiah wrote them a letter
and explained that their captivity was orchestrated by God.
    This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel,
    says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem
    to Babylon (Jeremiah 29:4)
More than likely they were surprised, confused, and felt that God
didn’t love them so they were being punished for their bad choices.

There are times whenever we may wonder why God doesn’t feel
as close to us as He did at one time. We know that God doesn’t
move, so if there is a gap in our relationship with Him, then it
must be a result of some bad choices we have made, right?

Once the Israelites realized their captivity was their own fault,
they probably wondered how long their punishment would last.
What was their message from God about the duration? They
would be in captivity for seventy years!
    This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are
    completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill
    my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.
    (Jeremiah 29:10)

So, what were they to do for the next 70 years? God said they
were to live their lives as if they were free, while learning how
to make peace with others and praying for those who held them
in captivity. Why should they pray for their captors? Because
when their captors prospered, they would prosper as well.
    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 29:7)
Imagine the challenge of making peace with,
and praying for those they hated.

God reminded them that He is still in control and would eventually
bring them to the place He had promised (Jeremiah 29:10). He also
wanted them to know that as a result of what they learned during
their time of difficulty, He had good plans for them.
    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)

Being in captivity would give them a new desire to re-connect with
God. They would focus on sincerely seeking Him and as a result, they
would not only find Him, but He would hear their prayers once again.
    Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me,
    and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me
    when you seek me with all your heart.
    (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

God doesn’t hold grudges as people do, so He promised
to bless them for their repentance and for returning to Him.
    I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and
    will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you
    from all the nations and places where I have banished
    you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to
    the place from which I carried you into exile.”
    (Jeremiah 29:14)

ACTION:
The Israelites had a terrible experience and they did “go on with life”
as God instructed them, but they also learned from their punishment,
and were blessed for making new commitments to God. Their priorities
changed, and He was once again the most important part of their lives.

Are you going through a difficult time right now? If so, are
you learning anything from it? Maybe you just came out of
a bad experience. Did you earn anything from it?

By observing the traumatic times of the Israelites,
we should learn that:
– God is always in control.
– When bad situations arise, God could be trying to teach us something.
– We should not spend time focusing on ourselves and/or our problems,
   but we should seek to learn from our situation.
– Our reactions to bad situations may determine their duration.
– During difficult times, we should seek fellowship with God.
– When we respond as God wants us to, we will see the benefits
   (maybe not immediately – but we may have to wait awhile).
– When our focus changes, we can reconnect with God
   and He will hear our prayers.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me when I am unlovable,
for blessing me when I don’t deserve Your blessings, for forgiving
me when I have trouble forgiving myself, for having plans for me,
and for teaching me the things I need to know. Forgive me for the
decisions I have made that have caused me to feel separated from
You. Help me to learn the things You want me to know so that my
fellowship with You will be restored, and I can look forward to
enjoying the plans You have for me!”

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