Promises, Promises
From my very first reading decades ago, Jeremiah 29:10-11 encouraged me, and in recent years, The Message has clarified its meaning even further:
“This is God’s Word on the subject: ‘As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.'”
The word abandon stands out, because our Creator promises the exact opposite. The Israelites’ long exile surely tempted them to believe God had abandoned them. But this image of a maker who would throw away his creations belies the Almighty’s merciful character.
Religion vs. Spirituality
Our picture of the Divine forms partially from childhood experiences, causing many of us lifelong struggles in embracing all the good plans the Father has for us. A friend of mine shares this challenge and vows her sense of being an outcast from anything even remotely “religious” is the gospel truth.
Ahh . . . that word religious fits well with abandon, since it’s based on rules and regulations. The Pharisees in Jesus’ time and many modern-day churches and groups cast out those who refuse to play by their guidelines.
But Jeremiah 29:11 called me out of legalism into a spiritual journey—daily listening and watching for signposts of God’s never-changing, unconditional love. When our eyes open to His plans for us, the signposts show up everywhere.
Signposts Needed
Boy, am I glad! I need signs. Once, driving out of Chicago, I hit massive road construction, got terribly lost, and made the same loop over and over. Finally, I ended up in a residential section on some poor woman’s doorstep, begging for help finding my way back to Iowa.
That’s the kind of guidance Jeremiah speaks of, based on the solid foundation of a promise that won’t fail. My experience has proven this truth many times, and I still cling to it as I contemplate the final season of this earthly life.
Gail Kittleson
DARE TO BLOOM!
Gail writes historical fiction. You can count on her heroines to devote themselves to whatever they put their hand to, make do with what life gives them, and discover their voices in the process.
Her latest books, In Times Like These and In This Together, are available from Amazon. http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson
Connect with Gail at http://www.gailkittleson.com or www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor
A passionate reader, I began writing as a young girl. After graduating from college, I became a teacher. Over the course of my career, I taught high schoolers, college undergraduates, and public school teachers how to write personal narratives, expository and persuasive essays, as well as poetry and short fiction. I continued to write: publishing professional articles, two textbooks, short stories, and poetry. In 2013, I won first place in Romantic Suspense in the ACFW Genesis Contest.
Suzanne, thanks so much for having me visit your lovely website – you’ve worked so hard, and I’m cheering for you. So glad we met that one winter a few years back.
I’m glad we met too! I’m looking forward to a long friendship.
Thank you, Gail for your words, wisdom, and love for God. I’m so proud to call you my friend and neighbor.
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