When It's Dark Enough - You Can See the Stars

DAY ONE: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Read Jeremiah 29 before reading the rest of this blog entry.



According to dictionary.com the word "hope" means: "The feeling of what is wanted can be had, or that events will turn out for the best."

That definition is very similar to what God says to us in His Word.

"I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NCV)

Jeremiah, and more specifically, God, wanted His people to know that their current situation of hardship would get better as they grew in their reliance upon Him. God had a good future planned for His people.

If you are God's child you may rest assured that God has good plans mapped out for you no matter what unfavorable circumstances you currently face. You may live expectantly rather than being depressed, angry, anxious, or disappointed.

However, there is something that God asks of you, while you are waiting for the things you hope for to come true."

"...do good things for the city where I sent you... Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living, because if good things happen in the city, good things will happen to you also." Jeremiah 29:7 (NCV)

Instead of doubting, complaining, or rebelling, God tells us to: 1) Do good things, and 2) Pray for the city in which we reside.

Action Step for 40 Days of Hope: (Note: the remainder of the Action Steps in this journey will be daily in scope. These first two action steps are things to do throughout the entire 40 Days campaign as the opportunity arises.)

1) Pray for the city where you are living, as God commanded His people in Jeremiah's day.

2) Share hope with someone else by doing good things as God commanded His people in Jeremiah's day.

Suggestions:

1) Provide food for a hungry person. (They may be hungry for friendship, not just food.) (See Luke 14:13; Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9)

2) Supply something for someone going on a trip. (See Ezra 1:6)

3) Give something away to someone who needs it - especially something you have more than enough of. (See Leviticus 19:9-10)

4) Make a donation to a charity that cares for orphans, or better yet, get directly involved in the life of an orphaned child you know personally. (See Psalms 82:3)

5) Help an elderly widow who doesn't have family to care for her needs. (See Job 29:16; 1 Timothy 5:3-16)

6) Provide assistance to someone who has been victimized, or has become disabled. (See Luke 10:30-37)

7) If any need in someone else's life comes to your attention and you are able to help with it - just do it. (See 1 John 3:17)