…This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “…With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please.” –Jeremiah 27:4-5 NIV
In Jeremiah 27, God tells the Israelites they are going to serve Nebuchadnezzar. God said He would destroy anyone who did not serve as He commanded. At its core, God was saying to trust Him and walk in the way He commands. God is laying a test before His people: will you trust and follow only in the ways which feel good and right? Or will you commit yourself fully into My hands and follow Me, regardless of how it looks, feels, or seems to you?Historians regard King Nebuchadnezzar as brutal, powerful, and ambitious. Sitting in the comfort of your home, it could be easy to miss this important message, but please hear it: God doesn’t always ask you to do things that make sense and are comfortable, but He expects you to be obedient, regardless.What has God called you to do that doesn’t make sense, but you feel a peace about following where and how He leads? Or what has God asked you to do that is uncomfortable and possibly a little painful, but you know He’s using it for your growth and His glory?
Ask God to forgive you if you’ve been stubbornly ignoring His commands to follow Him.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the determination to listen for His voice and obey what He says.