Devotion
Whom I have sent
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.”
Jeremiah 29:4
Three words carry the whole letter: whom I have sent.
Babylon looked like Nebuchadnezzar's victory. Every news report of the day would have said so. But God takes responsibility for their address. He does not say "where you ended up" or "where the enemy dragged you." He says, "whom I have sent." That does not make Babylon good. It makes Babylon purposeful. And it changes the question His people are asking. They came in asking how did we get here? God answers a different question: why have I placed you here?
Practice
Church at the Grove did not accidentally land in Walton County twenty years ago, and you did not accidentally land on your street. Today, trade your "how did I get here" question for God's question. Write down the address you actually live at. Then write one sentence: God, if You sent me here, what is here for me to do? Don't answer it quickly. Carry it around today.
Prayer
Lord, I have spent a lot of energy asking how I got here. Today I want to ask what You are doing here. I believe You put me on this street and in this house on purpose. Show me the purpose, and give me the courage not to run from it. Amen.