Jeremiah 29:1,4-7

When tragedy strikes and setbacks are experienced, there is a temptation to sulk, give up, and yield to the temptation of mediocrity. It's easy to become bitter when life caves in. The hand of Nebuchadnezzar had been hard on Judah and the city of Jerusalem. The elders, priests, prophets, and many others had been carried away into captivity in Babylon. In the midst of judgment, the messenger of God relayed God's message for hope to a downtrodden people.

How do we respond to God's hand of discipline? The hand that disciplines us also is the hand that uplifts us. We can learn that spiritual setbacks are not conclusive unless we refuse to listen to God's instructive voice.

I. God Continues to Speak to Those He Disciplines (v. 4)

Disappointments and setbacks in life are not always the work of the evil one. God was the cause of the captivity and exile for Judah. God is an intentional God who orchestrates His plans with purpose. Though the exile was a part of God's judgment upon the nation, his hand of discipline had a divine purpose for which He was seeking a response. He was not through with His people.

O that we would understand that God has a word for us even when His hand of chastisement is being exercised. If the deaf ear of disobedience is the cause of our present predicament, the responsive ear of obedience may be the channel of hope for our future. Submission to the voice and way of God is always the way of hope.

II. God's Instructive Word is for the Progress, Not Continued Setbacks of His People (vv. 5-6)

Growth and development can take place in barren places. False prophets were giving false hope for an abbreviated exile, thus tempting the people to be idle and unproductive.

Jeremiah gave the true Word of the Lord to carry on with life's activities and prepare for increase and growth during the lengthy stay. They were to get married, have children and encourage their children to have children to become a strong people.

We are to be faithful to our responsibilities and obligations in life even when the circumstances may not be of our choosing. God is committed to expanding or growing us when we respond in faith to His voice and heed his instruction.

The circumstances of life are often like the ingredients in homemade biscuits. The flour itself doesn't taste good, neither does the baking powder, nor the shortening, nor the other ingredients. However, mixed all together and placed in the oven, they come out just right.

We are to bloom where we are planted regardless of the circumstances of the planting! Trusting and obeying is still the heart of God for us. His plans are intentional and His purposes include our peace, a bright future, and eternal hope. The circumstances mixed together with faith cause the results to be just right.

III. God's People Are To Be Instruments of His Blessing Even In Disheartening Circumstances (v. 7)

Judah was exhorted to seek the peace of their city of captivity. They were to pray for the city. They were to make a difference by who they were and thus enjoy a returned blessing.

It's still true that when you cast your bread upon the waters, you will find it after many days (Eccl. 11:1). We are to seek the spiritual welfare of others in the midst of our own deprivation. In giving and desiring blessing to others, we ourselves will know blessing. The unselfish life is the life of rediscovered blessings.

Difficult times are often consequential of our own actions. Our response to hard times may well determine the longevity of the difficulty.

Responding to God's direction in faith and learning to bloom where we are planted will not only impact the lives of those around us for good, but will provide for enhanced blessings for ourselves.

 
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Sermon brief provided by: Larry L. Gilmore, Group Leader of the Evangelism Strategies Group, Tennesse Baptist Convention, Brentwood, TN