READ: JEREMIAH 29:1-14

Jeremiah 29:1-14 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible, and, if I’m being honest, one that I struggle with a lot. In this passage, most of Israel had just been taken captive by the Babylonians, who were pagans and had been enemies of Israel for a very long time. After the Israelites were taken captive, some prophets started saying God would come to their rescue quickly, defeating Babylon and restoring the Israelites’ freedom very soon.

But God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah to say these predictions were lies, and the people touting them were false prophets. Instead, God told His people to get comfy because they were going to be in captivity for a while. Yet He promised to be with them, even in Babylon, and He had good work for them to do there. He said, “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren” (verse 5-6). Even more surprising, He told them to pray for Babylon and “work for the peace and prosperity of the city” of their enemies (verse 7)!

Sometimes I feel like the Israelites—stuck in a situation I hate, just looking for a way out. I spend so much time looking for future rescue that I don’t see what Jesus is doing right here, right now, in the middle of my “exile.” I forget He is here with me. Instead of asking Jesus what He wants me to do, I look for ways to take control and even to withdraw into myself—trying to isolate myself from God and others.

When we find ourselves in situations we hate, as Christians, we can take comfort knowing Jesus is right there with us. If we rely on Him to help us resist the temptation to rush through the present, He will show us all the richness He has for us right here, right now. • Taylor Eising

• How might knowing that Jesus is with us in our times of “exile” bring us comfort and purpose?

• When we’re hurting, God doesn’t tell us to ignore our pain, stuff it down, and just get to work. Instead, He invites us to bring our pain to Him with raw honesty while we continue to serve Him and trust Him in the present. How could you practice this in your own life?

• How can looking to Jesus make it possible for us to serve wherever God has placed us, even when we consider the people around us to be our enemies? (Hint: read Romans 5:1-11)

“And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT)