Do we ever forget what we have said? Do we ever need to be reminded of words we have spoken? Sometimes we offer encouraging words to others going through difficult moments that we might not call to mind when going through such ourselves. In moments like those we might be reminded of what we have ourselves truthfully declared in the past; having the help of others bring them back to mind.
Recently, reading through Jeremiah, I was struck by him receiving back the same thought he had spoken. What is most encouraging is from where the recalling of those words arose. Though the Babylonian siege had begun by Nebuchadnezzar as had been prophesied due to the nation’s unfaithfulness to God, there remained a message of hope. Jeremiah was even told by the Lord to buy a field in spite of the coming exile from the land. (Jeremiah 32:1-14) The encouragement of God through the action was that there would eventually be a return. (Jeremiah 32:15) After making the purchase as directed, Jeremiah began his prayer with the words. . .
“(17) Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17 ESV)
Though Jeremiah may not have fully understood the work God would ultimately bring about, as he began his prayer he still acknowledged a truth to be kept in mind; nothing is too hard for God! It is a truth Jesus also acknowledge. (Matthew 19:26) Though humanity is limited in ability and power to fulfill every need and plan, God is not!
Following his prayer, note the manner in which Jeremiah received the response where we read. . .
“(26) The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: (27) “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”” (Jeremiah 32:26-27 ESV)
God came right back at Jeremiah with a reminder of his own statement. God would fulfill the punishment He had declared (Jeremiah 32:28-35), but that would not be the end of the matter. (Jeremiah 32:37-44) However, even beyond the hope of returning to the land was the encouragement of the ultimate coming of the Messiah. (Jeremiah 33:14-16) Even beyond the hope of being carried through life’s challenging moments remains the everlasting hope God is fully able to provide through Jesus Christ!
When we can’t figure it out. When we cannot see the way. In the moments when we feel at a loss. During the times we may feel we are looking for hope against hope [consider the faith of Abraham (Romans 4:18)], let us keep believing! Let us continue trusting in the One for Whom nothing is too hard! Let us trust that what He has declared will come about regardless of what may be happening in the moment. As we have declared our faith in God, may we remain open to the reminder of its truth even during our own challenging moments and so retain a faith for pressing on!
Have a great day TRUSTING GOD’S AWARENESS AND ABILITY TO FULFILL HIS DIVINE PURPOSES!
Carl
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