Captivity

I see God at work in the captivity.

March 25

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

One of the best ways I know to humble myself is to fast and pray. Denying myself food puts me in a posture of vulnerability, and dependence on God. Prayer opens up conversation with God. I am weak and He is strong. This Coronavirus is a pestilence among His people. When I read this verse, this morning, in my quiet time with God it just laid heavy on my heart. I will not be so bold as to say whether God sent this virus or simply allowed it. Honestly, it doesn't matter. I will say that God has a plan for this pandemic, and the enemy has a plan as well. Satan wishes to destroy us with this Coronavirus. But God knows the plans He has for us, and they are good. Most of us know Jeremiah 29: 11, but we can't forget what comes right before verse 11. God is sending Israel into captivity for seventy years.

Jeremiah 29:10-13

The truth is this: You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised and bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.

I am looking for God in earnest. I am going to humble myself and pray. I know when He highlights a verse in scripture He is speaking to me. I have a window in which to see Him. He is reminding me that these things that look so bad are meant for my . . . our good.