Sandra Hubbard

Are you in a waiting season?  Maybe you’re waiting for a miracle in your health or wealth, marriage or relationship, in your career or regarding your future.

Waiting isn’t easy but it can be beneficial.

Jeremiah is a prophet living in what’s left of in a war-torn city. Its citizens have been forced into exile yet Jeremiah stays behind. 

God gives him a message for those exiles who are now waiting to return home.

He told Jeremiah to tell them to “Build homes and plan to stay.  Plant gardens and eat the food they produce. . . . work for the peace of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jer 29:4-7

He continues with the often quoted verse “For I know the plans I have for you” says the Lord.  “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”  v.11  

But there’s more. 

He also tells Jeremiah that “In those days when you pray I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly you will find me.  I will be found by you,” says the Lord. I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again.” v. 12-14 

The exiles have a choice, thrive or survive.  Hold on or give up.  Trust God or not.   They can bloom where they are planted or die on the vine. 

God’s plan isn’t for them to stay in the waiting season. 

His plans are to prosper them but in the meantime He instructs them to use the time wisely, building, planting, working and praying for the city they live in. 

(Side Note:  We may not be thrilled with the current conditions of our cities but I wonder what would happen if we began praying for their welfare? Something to ponder.)

God is with us in the waiting seasons when we look for Him wholeheartedly. 

“In those days” are the days of waiting and He tells us that while we are waiting if we will come to Him, He will listen. 

Not only will He listen but He will end our captivity. 

What’s holding you captive, keeping you up at night, nerves in a knot and your heart heavy? Is it fear, anxiety, shame, pride, anger, confusion or overwhelm, etc? 

And He restore your fortunes. 

Every thing the enemy has stolen from you, your joy, peace, relationships, health, hope, wealth, etc God will restore. 

Waiting seasons happen but in the meantime we worship, steward our current surroundings and know that His plans for us include hope and a future, freedom and restoration. 

He told Isaiah that “At the right time, I the Lord will make it happen.” Isaiah 60:22 His timing is perfect and always “right.”