Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Jeremiah 29:5
Building a house and planting a garden are two ways in which a person shows that one is planning to be somewhere for a longer period of time. That person does not expect to move any time soon and is settling in for a long time. Going through life there are many who will strive to build a house, while the majority are satisfied with renting and never plant a garden.
Isaiah tells the people, as they are going into captivity, to build houses and plant gardens and eat their produce.
Going into captivity is usually seen as a negative situation in one’s life. It often seen as taking away one’s abilities to thrive and really live life. As a result of that, most people shut down and do not thrive. They just plod along through life, surviving one day a time.
Blame is put upon their circumstances and others. The ideal life has not shown up or been provided. Life is rough and will have many troubles due to sin that permeates every living person.
Believers are going through a lot of the same struggles everyone else is. Things cost too much, the imperfect job, vehicles break down and much more. Just like the world, many will shut down and not do anything.
Instead of shutting down, believers are to be productive where God has them at in the moment, whether in freedom or in captivity. No matter where one lives or the situation one is living in, God can use that person to change the world.
One is to use where God has that person is in the moment to be a witness for God, to build others up in Christ Jesus and to continue to grow as a believer in Jesus.
God has you right where you are for a purpose. Seek God’s wisdom and guidance as to what you are to do where you are at. Build God’s house (temple) with your life. Be a witness and produce the fruit of God in your life and in the lives of others. Do not give up and blame God for the negative situations in your life. Jesus promised trouble, but also promised He would be with you.
God is with you, so be productive right where you are.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know what God has for you to do; that you will be productive for God right where you are; and that God will give you strength to do His work in this world.
Picture by Marta Bibi on Unsplash
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