Jeremiah 29

Jeremiah 29:11-14 has been my life passage for many years.  I take it as God’s promise to me even though it’s out of context (all the Bible scholars gasp!).  As I was talking with God about my future and my desires this morning, God brought me back to these verses and also the ones leading up to it in chapter 29.  Verses 5-7 particularly stand out to me.  God commands His people to live authentically, even in exile.  He tells them to live life to its fullest—marry, have kids, live peacefully, and benefit the community.  Essentially, make the best of your circumstances in a foreign land, no matter how dire they seem, until God brings you home.

Lately, I’ve been feeling homeless and in some ways exiled.  I just don’t belong anywhere; not Colorado Springs, not Anacortes, not Mexico, or even Kenya.  This has often caused me grief and self-pity—similar to Israel I imagine.  But God brought to my attention today that while I’m waiting for God’s plans to unfold, and I’m longing for Him to take me to my real home, I can’t stop living.  I think this is what it means to be “eternally-minded”.  I need to make the most of my situation whether I’m in the US, Kenya, Mexico, or other geographical locations.  I know I blew it in Mexico—I was “immediately-minded”.  I was miserable and focused on it for 11 months.  I don’t want to make the same mistake again.

My three months (just shy of) in Kenya have been a good start to verses 5-7.  No, I didn’t find a husband, have kids, or build a house, but I believe I benefited the children and staff at this orphanage.  I was present and gave of myself despite the cost (well, most of the time!).  Wherever I end up, I want to live this way until Jesus takes me Home.