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Devotional

The Business of Living

Scripture

This is what the Lord says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Build homes and plan to stay, plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters. (Jeremiah 29: 4 -6, NLT.)

My car died yesterday - the engine gave out.. Since it was over ten years old, my husband felt it was time to invest in a new one. Knowing we were in the middle of a financial trial, I couldn't see how we could afford purchasing a new car - but we started looking anyway.

While in slavery to the Babylonians, the Israelites asked God how long they would remain in captivity. Through the prophet Jeremiah, he instructed them to "build homes, plant gardens, marry and have children" (Jeremiah 29:5-6). They were not to allow their lives to grind to a halt just because they were in captivity.

It's not easy to continue with the business of living in the midst of a long trial. When our health has been failing, our finances are awry or we're facing a long stint of unemployment, it's not easy to remain focused on the daily tasks of life. But we cannot allow our lives to grind to a halt because of the trials we face.

Houses still have to be maintained, children still have to be cared for, and bills still have to be paid. So no matter how long the trial you face today, don't stop living. Keep spending time with your family. Keep spending time with your friends. Keep visiting your house of worship, and keep trusting in the heavenly Father to meet all of your needs. As you continue with the business of living in the midst of your lengthy trial, one day you'll look up and fnd deliverance has come (Jeremiah 29:14).

Sharing the Word,

Jeaninne