Staying Put When You Want to Run

"Oh my! I can't stay here anymore!" "I just have to get out of this place!" "I don't belong here anymore!"

Ever heard those words out of your mouth? At least, I'm sure most of us have heard them screaming from within us during hard pressed circumstances. I know I sure have!

I would like to share with you a very precious promise the Lord gave me a few years back when I was in the "running away" mood - please, turn with me to Jeremiah 42:10-12. I'm using NIV - "If you stay in this land, I will build you up and not tear you down; I will plant you and not uproot you, for I am grieved over the disaster I have inflicted on you. Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, whom you now fear. Do not be afraid of him, declares the Lord, for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. I will show you compassion so that he will have compassion on you and restore you to your land."

Yes, I know this is an Old Testament story, a "word" for an army that was ready to flee - but the day the Lord gave it to me it was for me!

Yes.

Just as He promised!

I had been planted, for a season, in a specific place, by the Lord, and it was fully in His control. He gave me the strength to continue. He extended the grace I needed to face each and every day. He removed the fear from my heart, and poured out so much compassion upon me that those involved started to have compassion on me. There was restoration. There was peace. And God receives all the glory and praise!

If ever I wonder what would have happend if I ran out of God's will into whatever I thought better . . . I shudder! I'm finding it best to be in the center of His will, where there is peace, than anywhere else!

"Father God, may my heart always be ready to hear Your Word, may my will be as Your own, ready to walk in Your ways, fully experiencing Your peace. amen."

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