It's a fight I'm really tired of. I have plans, responsibilities. Lupus doesn't care. It takes me captive.
There is one place I go when I'm tired of fighting, need reassurance, and need to surrender. There is one place where surrender gives me the strength to prosper even in captivity.
"For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
The Israelites have been exiled in Babylon. They have been taken captive. We may not find ourselves in a literal state of captivity as the Israelites but we can be held captive by the struggles we face.
“Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce...Multiply there; do not decrease. Seek the welfare of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it has prosperity, you will prosper.” - Jeremiah 29:5-7
Keep moving...don't give up...pray...prosper...it's not the end.
“For this is what the Lord says: “When 70 years for Babylon are complete, I will attend to you and will confirm My promise concerning you to restore you to this place.”
- Jeremiah 29:10
So how do I prosper when my body has taken me captive.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you” — this is the Lord’s declaration — “and I will restore you from your captivity..." - Jeremiah 29:13-14
I am held captive but God knows my story. He knows how far I can be pushed, when it's time to rest. He knows when I will be restored from a flare. He reminds me this temporary captivity is only a portion of my story.
I will prosper in captivity. Today a short walk. I grab my shoes and struggle to put them on. I notice the bottoms are stained red. Georgia clay from miles I walked while serving others just months ago. A break from my captivity.
And when the time is right He will restore me once again.
