Because they disobeyed God, the Jews spent seventy years as slaves in Babylon. They lost their joy, their freedom, and their identity; all the things that make life worth living. But that wasn’t the end of their story. God hadn’t finished with them. He told them this: ‘After Babylonia has been the strongest nation for seventy years, I will be kind and bring you back to Jerusalem, just as I have promised. I will bless you with a future filled with hope – a future of success, not of suffering. You will turn back to me and ask for help, and I will answer your prayers. You will worship me with all your heart, and I will be with you and accept your worship’ (v.10-15 CEV). Maybe you’ve veered off course somewhere in your journey with God. We all have at some time. But when we read biblical accounts of the people God blessed and used, we’ll discover that failing isn’t unusual. Often, it’s part of the learning curve. The fact is, there’s nothing in our past or present that God can’t use. When we come into this world, none of us knows exactly what we’re supposed to do with our lives. And that’s okay. Just start where you are right now. When God puts your life back on track, He starts by giving you a sense of hope, because only God-given hope will sustain you through the rough times. If you’re wondering whether you’ll ever get to where you’re supposed to be in life, go back and reread what God promised His people: ‘a future filled with hope’ (v.11 CEV). And the God who gave Israel another chance will give you one, too, when you turn to Him.

What Now?

If you’ve wandered away from God, take time to ask Him to help you get back on track. Pray: ‘Father, I’m sorry I haven’t followed Your plan. I know I’m not where I should be, but I want to come back to You. Help me make my next step one that’s in Your direction.’