Hope in the Hard Place

 Wednesday July 25, 2025

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1–14

Opening Thought: We all love Jeremiah 29:11. We put it on mugs, journals, and graduation cards because it sounds like everything’s about to turn around.But this promise wasn’t given to people in victory. It was given to people who were in exile. They were tired, heartbroken, confused, and waiting. They weren’t told to pack their bags and get ready to move. They were told to settle in plant gardens, build houses and wait for 70 years.

Can you imagine waiting for God for 70 years?Some of the people who first heard this promise would neverlive to see it fulfilled. But they were still called to believe. Still called to build and still called to hope. We live in a fast-fix world. But friends sometimes God works on a slower timeline that may span generations.But here is where hope moves in because even if you don’t see the harvest, your faithfulness still plants seeds. Even if you don’t feel the breakthrough, your obedience still moves forward. You may not change the world overnight, but you may change someone’s world today.God is not asking you to do something flashy, He’s asking you to be faithful.

Consider this:

• Build something important even when you are uncertain. What spiritual habit can you build into your daily life this week?
• Plant seeds of faith where you are, even if it’s not where you want to be.
  Who in your life needs encouragement, prayer, or a simple act of kindness?
• Pray even when it feels quiet.
  Take time today to talk to God honestly.
• Hope not just for rescue, but for God’s presence and purpose.
  Ask God, “How are you shaping me in the waiting?”

Prayer: God, I don’t always understand Your timing but I trust that You are still writing my story, even when I feel stuck. Teach me to be faithful in the waiting. Give me the courage to plant, to build, and to believe. Even if I may never see the full harvest. Because I believe You are a God who keeps Your promises and You are with me, even here.
Amen.