Wed.’s Devo - God’s Provision in Hard Times

Read: Jer. 39:1-41:18; 2 Tim. 1:1-18; Ps. 90:1-91:16; Pr. 26:1-2 The armies of Babylon attacked Jerusalem and king Zedekiah fled even though Jeremiah had warned him not to. He was captured and made to watch his sons killed and then had his own eyes gouged out. He was chained and carried to Babylon. I wonder what his fate would have been if he had surrendered like Jeremiah told him to. The walls were broken down and houses burned. Those that weren’t killed were carried away to Babylon except the very poor. They were left and given land and vineyards. Jeremiah was still in prison and sent a word from God to Ebed-melech, the Ethiopian who had spared his life. He told him that God was going to deliver him and spare his life as a reward for trusting in God. Jeremiah was freed from prison and led to stay with the people who remained. Gedediah was placed as governor over the people. Everyone was happy till Ishmael came and killed Gedediah then fled to Chimham which is close to Egypt. Even in great turmoil on the earth, the poor in spirit prosper. The poorest of the people were given land and vineyards! They had never been able to own land and now it is there’s for free. God knows who is faithful and He is a rewarder of those who put their trust in Him. Second Timothy 1:7 sums it up, “God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Lord, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.