Today’s Thought “The Survivalist” G. Ward

 

“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 have welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7

 

The pangs of life for me were/are primarily self-inflicted. I’m very grateful that on today I wasn’t afforded immediate reprieve from the many sufferings experienced. The book of James says it best; “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (1:2-3).

Religion of today more demands a “No pain” philosophy. It’s absolutely ludicrous to think anyone can be exempt; particularly when the Righteous Son (Jesus) agonized for us (both mental anguish and physical cf.Jn. 15:20).  God’s people in Jeremiah’s day were told to be well acquainted with trouble, while maintaining vigil unto the land’s prosperity. It would be a while before they could return to their own homeland. What ministers should be sharing unto God’s people in these times is that the Sufficiency Christ provides (while we too are in a strange land cf. 1 Pe. 2:11) is more than enough for any geographic location. Moreover, you priests of His share unto this church age; “It may be a while before you get to your homeland!”

Happy Wednesday!