October 18: Jeremiah 29:4-14
 
Key Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
Devotion:
As we go back into a partial lock-down once again in London, things do not look as rosy as they used to be; something which prays on the hearts and minds of many people who have tried doing all they can to build up communities. As a member of an Eden team in London, we continue to do all we can to support and love our community in all ways we can – part of that is just living here!
 
When the Israelites were in captivity in Babylon, Jeremiah gave them the words from God to stay where they were and to try and prosper in all ways. God wanted the people to thrive despite their circumstances and to continue to show others there was still hope because God was on their side!
 
Just because we are being physically separated from our friends and neighbours does not mean we should have to spiritually or emotionally separate ourselves from our communities. Far from it. Now is the time to thrive. Now is the time to make a difference where we can!
 
God wants us to continue to be the people who others look to. He wants us to be the salt and the light in our communities. We can do this because we have God on our side! God did not say we would have an easy life as Christians, but He does say He has plans for us to prosper and not for us to go down the plug...
 
Points to Ponder:
Do you feel a bit daunted by this pandemic?
 
Will you stop and listen out for God’s instructions?