Endure the fire for the future

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hope and a future after COVID-19

A highly contagious respiratory virus, that could spread silently, making people minimally ill or lead to severe illness, prolonged hospital stays, and death-struck fear into some people’s hearts while others minimized or even dismissed the risk.

by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D. March 27, 2020November 19, 2021

Planning for a hopeful future

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV

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This is one of the most often quoted , misapplied verses in the Bible, but the comfort this verse offers is far deeper than the out of context promise often claimed.

This was the context of the promise – it was made to people while God was destroying their nation, tearing down the Temple, and sending them into 70 years of captivity in a foreign land. Families were torn apart, people were enslaved; those left behind in a desolate homeland struggled to survive starvation.

But the promise God gave them was- no matter how bad things were about to get, God had a plan and He would not abandon them forever.

The same God who promised them their suffering would end, and they would come into a brighter future because of the hardship they would experience, is the same God who brings us into the covenant (binding) promises.

Jeremiah 29:11 — graphic created by Christine Miller, A Little Perspective, used by permission

Endurance for the future

I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.
Jeremiah 29:14

No matter what fire we are in, if it is the Lord’s discipline we are enduring, God will bring us into a better future if we allow the fire to purify and strengthen us.

When you feel like giving up, endure.

Adapted from a commentary by Jeremy Scott Wilson, B.A., Biblical and Theological Studies; he blogs at Awakening to basics .

Jeremiah 39:18 — graphic created by Christine Miller, A Little Perspective, used by permission

(1Corinthians 13:13)

Dr Aletha

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.