Finding Hope
Finding Hope
The life of the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah has much to teach us about hope. With the fall of Jerusalem imminent, God had the prophet do something strange - he had him buy land.
This action puzzled the prophet. Once conquered, all the land, including Jeremiah’s newly purchased field, would belong to the foreign king. But Jeremiah obeyed and purchased the property. Then he prayed in order to seek understanding.
Jeremiah began with a statement about God and then added a question. God turned it back on Jeremiah and answered him with a question and then made a statement.
Jeremiah’s statement: “Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jer. 32:17).
Jeremiahs’s paraphrased question: “Buy a field, really?” (32:25)
God’s question: “Is anything too hard for me?” (32:27)
God’s statement: “I will restore this land and make a new covenant.” (32:37)
In the process, Jeremiah discovered hope. Here are four things he did:
When challenged, he focused on God. When Jeremiah prayed he focused on God’s power, grace, wisdom and might. He remembered what God had done in the past and focused his attention there - not on his confusion. Hope starts with God.
He remembered who he belonged to. God’s answer reiterated what’s often called the Covenant Formula: I will be your God, and you will be my people. Jeremiah took comfort in knowing he was not alone. Hope is found in knowing you belong to God and He belongs to you.
He recognized the story wasn’t over. God was in the process of bringing justice and mercy to His people. Even though Jeremiah couldn’t see it, he was in the middle of the story. If you’re in the thick of it, realize God’s not done yet. Hope is found in realizing God is in control and He is not done yet.
He watched a sunrise. In chapter 31, God tells Jeremiah of the new covenant that He would bring. God ended that section by reminding Jeremiah that he is the one who put the stars and sun in the sky. (31:35-36) God told Jeremiah, if you doubt my plans - just look up - every sunrise declares I’m still in control. Hope is found in the God who is trustworthy.
God had Jeremiah buy a field as a symbol of hope. His story wasn’t done. God is not finished with your story either. Trust Him . . . it’s gonna be good.
-The MissioCare Collective Team