Scripture

Jeremiah 29:7 (English Standard Version)

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Consider

Life is not random although sometimes it seems so. We can feel swept away on circumstances that make no sense and leave us feeling helpless. When tragedy strikes or evil asserts its power over us, we may wonder where God is, if he truly is sovereign, and if he really does care and have a plan for our lives.

The Bible assures us that God really does care and that he does have a plan. Moreover, his particular plans for us are always part of his big Plan, described by Jesus in the commission that he gave to his disciples and in the promise that God gave to Abraham: I am sending you into the world to be a blessing, that through the goodness you share with others, people will come to know Me.

In the Jeremiah passage, God was speaking to Jews who had been forcibly exiled from their beloved homeland to live among pagans in Babylon. God reassured them, telling them, in effect, It’s not by random chance that you find yourselves in Babylon. I have sent you here to be a blessing to these people. In blessing them with my goodness and shalom (peace and well-being), you too will find blessing and shalom.

We may not like our particular circumstances. There may be a coworker who gets on our nerves or a neighbor who gives us trouble. Perhaps a friendship has turned cold or we’re in constant conflict with a family member. We may struggle with painful memories that continue to disrupt our thoughts and rob us of peace. You may well ask yourself, What could God possibly be thinking to put me through all this trouble?

As it turns out, that’s exactly the right question to ask! By positioning you precisely where you are in a troublesome situation, God has a particular good in mind that he plans to bring to fruition. Honor him with your words and actions—that is, forgive the undeserving, return kindness for cruelty, respond to anger with gentleness and patience—then watch for blessing and shalom to enter your circumstance. What might this other person need that God has positioned you to fulfill? How might your sharing God’s goodness ease another’s suffering or confusion, perhaps enough to catch a glimpse of God Himself through your kindness? What will God teach you about himself as you obey him in the face of these difficulties?

Remember, God’s goodness doesn’t have anyone’s name on it except his own. When he gives it to you, he intends for you to share it with others. And when you do, he promises that blessing and shalom will return to you.

Pray

FATHER, your goodness creates and empowers every noble thought and worthy deed in this world. When I am facing a difficult situation, help me to ask the question, How might God use me to bring goodness and peace into this circumstance? Help me to recognize that you intend to bless me with the goodness I share with others.

Reflect

Genesis 12:1-3; Matthew 28:19-20

Share

Name one relationship in your life where you are uniquely positioned to bring blessing and shalom to another.