Jeremiah had been a prophet for nearly forty years by the time Jerusalem came under attack by the Babylonians. He had long been proclaiming a message of repentance, but the people continued to ignore his words. Now, the enemy had surrounded Jerusalem and the end was near. In this time of great turmoil, God told Jeremiah to purchase a field from his cousin.
This was a strange request but Jeremiah obediently purchased the field. However, he soon began to question God’s reasoning: “See how the siege ramps are built up to take the city? Though the city will be handed over to the Babylonians, You say to me, ‘Buy the field'” (Jeremiah 32:24,25). Jeremiah had been a prophet for many years. He had been given the privilege of talking directly with God, but this command just didn’t make sense. Why should he purchase a field when the enemy was invading and taking prisoners?
God answered Jeremiah with a simple, yet challenging, question.
Jeremiah 32:27
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for Me?”
Yes, the enemy had invaded the land and would soon overrun the city of Jerusalem. But God’s plan was for the people to one day return: “I will surely gather them from all the lands where I banish them in My furious anger and great wrath; I will bring them back to this place and let them live in safety. They will be My people and I will be their God” (Jeremiah 32:37-38). Jeremiah’s field was to be a reminder that God would one day restore His people – a reminder that He could be trusted even in the face of overwhelming circumstances.
We often have a difficult time seeing how all the pieces of God’s plan fit together. He leads us down a path and we fail to see the purpose – especially when the enemy begins to attack. We want to fight back, but God says to patiently trust Him and pray. We want to determine a solution and solve the problem, but God says to love Him with all our heart and share His love with others.
The times in which we are most tested and pressed down ought to be the times of greatest growth and closeness with our Heavenly Father. When it seems we have nowhere else to turn, we ought to rejoice and trust Him even more! Let’s put our life firmly in His Hands and submit to His guidance – even when we may not see where we are going or how we will get there. Let’s trust His ways and always remember…for God, there is NOTHING too hard!
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
**** Reading Plan ****
May 8 1 Samuel 2:22-4:22; John 5:24-47; Psalm 106:1-12; Proverbs 14:30-31
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