Amid the multitude of sinister events worldwide with storm clouds looming as we see the world spiralling out of control and people’s arms hanging limply by their side, God has a message of hope that we can bring to a fallen world steeped in sin because our confidence is placed in the One who holds the universe in the palm of His hands! But first we need to prove this reality for ourselves.
God is faithful to His covenant promises and we see this so beautifully illustrated with the Jewish people even in the darkest of times: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget!” (Jer.29:1)
The above promise for Israel was given during a season of Divine judgment due to wanton apostasy. Who could have imagined that during such a dark period of exile would be interwoven a message bearing such comfort and encouragement? And who would dare to cling to the hope that the same God who had judged them was willing to extend a hand of forgiveness and reconciliation? At just the right moment God honoured His word and His eternal purposes continued to roll forward amid a battlefield of twists and turns.
It is an easy thing to overlook or even misapply these things which is why God underlined the point: “Never forget!” He may sometimes appear hidden yet is ever-present amid even the most hideous catastrophe. It is in the worst of times, sometimes of our own making, that we do well to reach out in faith for only then we can we truly understand His heart: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget!” “
As true believers, we can collect all the negative pieces of wretchedness in one pile and lay them to one side since God is infinitely greater than the sum of our imperfections. Though we must face the consequences of poor choices, His forgiveness is always available when we truly repent for He is faithful and true to His promises. Amid all the messiness, that ‘good work’ He has begun in us will be brought to completion in the fullness of time (Phil. 1:6) in His inimitable way as crafted by the Master Potter made possible only through Yeshua.
Many people, even those who claim to be “christians” may fail and reject you, brutalise and betray you, but God’s love never fails and although the road ahead may be bumpy, you will always have in Him someone you can depend upon 100%. That kind of news may appear rough around the edges for those who are bruised and hurting but it has proven true to countless believers throughout the ages. Now is that ever a headline banner the world needs to hear in such a time as this?
