Sometimes we cannot see what is ahead of us and we become afraid. The people to whom Jeremiah spoke these words were in a life-altering situation of exile. They were anxious for reassurance. Jeremiah warned the people not to listen to empty promises of prosperity apart from obeying God’s instructions (verses 8-9). God, knowing His greater plan, promised to prosper them if they acted according to His instructions. God’s direction can seem risky from a human point of view, and many of us don't like to take risks. A risk has an uncertain outcome. But God’s promises are sure and can be trusted.

God does not have in mind to keep us in our comfort zone. He knows what we are capable of, if only we put our trust in Him. Remember David and Goliath and the sling shot? No one thought that David would win against the giant. He appeared to be a shepherd boy with no military experience. He didn’t even have proper armor. Yet because he had built his faith through prior challenges, he trusted God enough to step forward, and he was able to defeat Goliath. Gideon was afraid and asked God for proof multiple times. When he obeyed God’s instructions, he defeated the Midianites with only 300 men. God is not limited by how many we have on our side or what we can offer in our natural abilities.

Followers of Jesus have been given natural and spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:8, Romans 12:6-8). God wants to stretch us to develop and use those gifts for His glory and to be a blessing to others. Yet so often we make excuses and say that we aren't smart enough, don’t have the resources, are afraid to fail, or have a better idea. God wants us to be willing to step out in obedience and trust Him for the rest. We need to ask God to help us see what we cannot. We need to not be afraid to fail or fall down. If our desire is to please God, he will be there to pick us up again and lead us on to the hope and future He has for us.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I confess I often hope for the promise of today's verse while forgetting to do my part. Thank You for Your reminders to obey and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Show me how You want me to settle down and serve my local community. Help me to be faithful in the little You have provided and in the small tasks You put before me so that I can grow to be trustworthy in bigger tasks. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

You may be facing a challenge or opportunity and be uncertain what to do. Moving forward apart from Jesus and his Word is not the path to success. Shrinking back in fear is not the way, either. Submit your situation and your desire to Jesus.(Proverbs 16:1-3) You can have confidence that his plan done his way will lead you to hope and a future.