In the face of adversity

Then Jeremiah said to King Zedekiah, “What crime have I committed against you or your attendants or this people, that you have put me in prison? Where are your prophets who prophesied to you, ‘The king of Babylon will not attack you or this land’? But now, my Lord the king, please listen. Let me bring my petition before you: Do not send me back to the house of Jonathan the secretary, or I will die there.” Jeremiah 37:18‭-‬20 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/jer.37.18-20.NIV

Fear lead to irrationality, therefore Jeremiah was arrested without any proof of wrongdoing. Jeremiah was blamed for being a deserter, even though he was moving to the land he bought. He was falsely accused and imprisoned in harsh conditions. But he did not swear vengeance onto the people. When the king asked Jeremiah about Judah’s future, Jeremiah stood fast in the truth. He petitioned the king for mercy and received it.

I find this is true even today. When you stand in the truth of the Word of ALMIGHTY God, that evil will come against you. The evil one will even lay false accusations against you. It is then that you need to turn to God, praying for mercy and forgiveness for the people. For “greater is He that is in me than he that is in this world” (1 John 4:4, KJV).

There are many examples of people in the bible who found themselves in the same adverse position as Jeremiah. We find in Daniel that there were an edict made that all the people had to pray to the King and not to their gods. Daniel’s first reaction wasn’t to wallow in self-pity or swearing vengeance, but “he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before” (Daniel 6:10, NIV). Just like Daniel, we too, need to pray. For through prayer deliverance will come.

Daniel for his faith in the all Holy God were thrown into the lions den. But the angels came to shut the mouths of the lions and Daniel came out unscathed. The ones who wanted him dead, ended up in the lions den instead. God are aware of the adversity that you are facing today. It may not be clear why you are going through a period of trial, but if you keep your hope and trust in Him, miracles can happen.

God will bless you for your efforts in the end. We read in James 1:12 (KJV) that, “blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” Even Jeremiah’s fortune changed from being imprisoned in harsh circumstance, where he feared for his own life, stating “I will die there” (Jeremiah 37:20, NIV). The King showed mercy on Jeremiah and he was placed in the court of the prison with bread everyday to eat.

My prayer for you today is that you will not give in or give up hope in this time of adversity. Stand strong in the word of God and petition the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving, for He will make your paths straight. #GodCanDoThis