This morning in my daily Bible reading I do each morning, I was reminded that the Lord is in control even with me being held in captivity. My daily reading was in Jeremiah 29. It is found in the Old Testament.
The prophet Jeremiah literally told the Israelites who were taken captive to Babylon to move ahead with their lives while in captivity. Additionally to even pray for the pagan nation that enslaved them.
The Almighty goes on and says once the enslavement ends after 70 years, HE will end their captivity and restore their fortunes. The Almighty will gather them out of the nations where they were sent and bring them home again to their own land.
This really resonated with me because of my obvious situation being held captive . I definitely did not want to come here, and I find it difficult to pray for those here in authority. However, this is when prayers are most needed; when we enter troubling times we should move ahead diligently doing whatever we can rather giving up because of fear and uncertainty.
It says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
According to the Almighty’s wise plan, his people were to have a future and a hope; therefore, they could call on HIM in confidence. Although the exiles were in a difficult place and time, they need not despair because they had the Father’s presence, the privilege of prayer and HIS grace and mercy.
We have the same if we seek HIM with all our heart. I am looking forward to the day when the Almighty ends my enslavement and brings me back to my land. Until that time, I will continue to glorify the Lord.