And Miles to Go…

John 14:14 (NLT)

Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!

Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NLT)

In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.

In 1923, the poet Robert Frost penned the words “…but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep”.  The speaker stops in the woods to take in all that surrounds but is reminded of the obligation to continue on the journey.  And so it was with the Children of Israel.  Their surroundings were unfamiliar, and while their view and circumstance as exiles in Babylon was not pleasant, Jeremiah encouraged them to live, build, plan, multiply and pray (Jeremiah 29:4-7) where they were.  There was work to be done, and life to be lived, and they needed to be about it.  They were to “work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon” (Jeremiah 19:7), and we must do the same.  Why?  Because that’s what God wants us to do and because he has heard our desperate prayers and has been acting on our behalf all along.

We are living “in those days” (Jeremiah 29:12) when it’s difficult to dream and plan because the future has constraints.  Sickness is the invisible enemy, tensions are high, and jobs disappear like vapor.  Yet, we can still call on him with confidence because He is our hope.  God has allowed a set of difficult circumstances that have removed scales and unearthed hidden motivations and fears.  But, we asked for it!  And, because we were consistent in prayer (Matthew 7:7), he has responded and will continue to respond.  God will teach us truth as we continue to pursue him.  We’ll develop a keen sense of purpose, and a new vision for our future as we move forward despite the realities of the day or the questions that loom.

We have “promises to keep” (Frost, 1923).  There is work to be done.  As Christians, we’re called to pray and act.  That’s what God told the Children of Israel to do.  So, based on Jeremiah 29:4-9, we can live well by:

• Taking care of ourselves and our families
• Remaining hopeful; not giving up or losing heart
• Doing whatever promotes peace around us
• Praying for those who are ill, mourning, and unemployed
• Applying for job and volunteer opportunities that make a difference
• Committing to pray for our national and local leaders, neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends
• Being wise about where we go and how we engage
• Asking God to teach us how to make discerning decisions everyday

God has promised to be with us in trouble (Psalm 46:1-3), to respond to our prayers (1 John 5:15), and to take care of us (Isaiah 46: 4-13).  He has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11), but we still have miles to go before our work is done.   We have to be vigilant about our health, learn to live among people differently, forgive ignorance, and provide honoring examples to our generations.  It’s important work that we’re called to do for such a time as this.  Let’s gather ourselves, accept our task, and continue the work…until He comes.

In the meantime, we can embrace Max Lucado’s

Survivor’s Creed:

You’ll get through this.

It won’t be painless.

It won’t be quick.

But God will use this mess for good.

Don’t be foolish or naive.

But don’t despair either.

With God’s help, you’ll get through this.

Prayer

Lord, Thank you for speaking to us in the midst of chaos.  Help us to see our lives and realities from your point-of-view.  Teach us how to live well despite what’s happening in and around us.  We trust you for everything.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

Live well,

Michele