Jeremiah 45:5 – And do you seek great things for yourself? … But I will give you your life as a prize of war in all places to which you may go. (ESV)

I was slow in getting out of bed, shuffling my feet towards the kettle. I had a headache. With the kettle warming up, my youngest daughter demanded that I make her a packed lunch for her to consume. I was not at my best, and I was left wanting more from the world and God, not realizing that simply getting by is a blessing and a privilege from God that we take for granted.

Earlier, I had read Jeremiah 45, a short chapter, not a bundle of laughs. In my stupor, it seemed to say, "You expect to be lifted up, when the world is going down the drain? Surely My love and safe-keeping are good enough!"

I do not need more, but there is always more to want. Contending with God's love within me is the voice of worldliness and selfish greed — a voice to be silenced, a mantra of my youth: more is better.

The journey of discipleship is not always a source of amusement, nor has all the materialistic stuff that I have creamed off the top of life been helpful to my relational journey with God. It is a learning process. Acclaim and the want of possessions can be distractions and corrosive to the love of God in me. Somewhere, in the back of my mind, I hear a "surely-not-I" whining. Yep, can I have some more, please?

So, God has taken me on a long journey, spiritually and physically, since He called me into ministry. No one was more surprised than I to be a follower of Jesus. Be careful for what you ask! It has been a time of discipline, involving ups and downs, grace, and provision, where I learnt first-hand the faithfulness and patience of God, and saw the impossible happen — a life where God has watched over me and answered prayers according to His purposes.

When I started out on the journey and I agreed to serve and follow Jesus, I was wide-eyed and apparently blissfully unappreciative of God's genuine love for me/us and His power to change lives. We are all called — amazing!

There is an irreconcilable contention between the world and God's kingdom. As far as the world is concerned, I am now old, retired, and potentially to be a burden. As far as the kingdom of God is concerned, I am accepted, loved, reborn, mentally and spiritually restored, and precious in His sight. In return, I am mostly at peace with God. This is a joy that the world cannot give, and it is truly enough, even in hard times.

Despite the appalling happenings of being in this world, know for sure that you are heard, valued, and loved!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being our shield and defender when we are blissfully unaware of the war that rages around us. Thank You for being there when we see the war and call out to You in need. Thank You for Your great love, because we know that we are in safe hands. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Rod Marshall <roderickhenrymarshall@gmail.com>
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
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