"So they went to the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the LORD. And they went as far as Tahpanhes. Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, “Take large stones in your hand, and hide them in the sight of the men of Judah, in the clay in the brick courtyard which is at the entrance to Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes; and say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: “Behold, I will send and bring Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant, and will set his throne above these stones that I have hidden. And he will spread his royal pavilion over them. When he comes, he shall strike the land of Egypt and deliver to death those appointed for death, and to captivity those appointed for captivity, and to the sword those appointed for the sword."---Jeremiah 43:7-11
Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna, and Mikayla,
People run from marriages, neighborhoods, churches, schools and social settings, because they think these are what is causing their unhappiness and discontented spirit. The people of Judah ran to Egypt despite Jeremiah's warnings to stay put and trust in God's love and care for them. Their impulse was to flee from the problem and in fleeing they thought they could outrun it. We have all done this...we change the backdrops of our lives in hopes that we will then find the peace we are seeking for our hearts. Some of us live our lives this way.
Running away from a problem or a situation does not work...in fact it usually causes more problems. The problem in your life is not the backdrops or the people God has placed on your particular stage. The problem is your heart. You bring yourself wherever you go. You can't run or hide because you can't run from who you are. What these people needed was a new heart. It didn't matter where they went. In fact the Lord told them clearly that by running to Egypt they would meet with the very same man they were fleeing. He would find them in Egypt. Many of us think if I just did this it would be better or if I moved here things would work out or if I had a different husband...the list is endless. The reality is, however, that things will only work out if God is at the center of your life and on the throne of your heart. You bring who you are with you where ever you run...
Love
Mom
Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Jeremiah 33:3 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'
