We can do NOTHING
Jeremiah 10:23
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own, it is not for man to direct his steps
Jeremiah knows who is really in charge. Unlike the rest of Israel, he recognizes that God is the one who is controlling the destiny of the people there. Jeremiah is fully aware that God is the one who can withhold punishment, bring peace, and administer judgement. In this statement, Jeremiah also submits. There is something submission does to people. It brings them to humbly come before God and ask what to do. It means that the individual must rely upon God for everything. And that is exactly what Jeremiah does. His reliance upon God is unprecedented. At this point there is nothing that Jeremiah can do but to whole submit his request and wait for God to execute His plan. Jeremiah’s only option is to sit and wait. His reliance is on God.
You know, there are times in life where I have come to this point. There is nothing I can do but wait on God. Couple of years ago I had a bad cold so I went in for a simple check-up. Little did I know, it was a big deal. So big my doctor couldn’t figure it out exactly. So I was sent over to a specialist. After taking x-rays and scans I had to wait for two whole days to be diagnosed. Those two days were terrible. It was not an easy time in my life. My mind raced in many directions, usually on the worst possible situation being played over and over in my mind. It’s funny how we prepare for the worst most of the time. But it made me realize that my life is completely in the hands of God the father. These are times where Jeremiah’s confession rings so true. There was NOTHING I could have done but wait for the results. Wait to see what God reveals. Sometimes it’s great news, as with me and my illness. But sometimes it’s those crazy things we cook up in our head that come to fruition. But, God is in control of it all. There is nothing we can do but to lean upon Him.
Lord thank you for this. Thank you for the reminder that though it may seem that I have control, it is You are the one who controls everything. May this be a reminder to just be wholly leaning into You.
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