How can we discern God's will in times of national crisis? Facing Hard Truths in Jeremiah 21:10 “For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good,” declares the LORD. “It will be given into the hands of the king of Babylon, who will burn it with fire.” Why This Verse Matters Today • God sometimes wills judgment, not immediate rescue. • Ignoring His warnings invites greater sorrow. • When a nation reels, the first question is not “How do we escape?” but “What is God saying?” Recognizing the Lord’s Sovereignty over Nations • Daniel 2:21 — “He removes kings and establishes them.” • Acts 17:26 — He “determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” • Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.” Principles for Discerning God’s Will in Crisis 1. Start with Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — The Word equips “for every good work,” including national upheaval. 2. Respond with Repentance • 2 Chronicles 7:14 — Humbling ourselves precedes healing. 3. Test Every Prophetic Voice • Jeremiah 23:16-17 — False prophets promise peace when God decrees judgment. 4. Accept, Don’t Dodge, Consequences • Jeremiah 27:12-13 — Submitting to Babylon was God’s path to life. 5. Seek Wisdom Earnestly • James 1:5 — He “gives generously” when we ask without doubting. 6. Trust God’s Character • Romans 8:28 — Even judgment is woven into His redemptive plan. Practical Steps for Clarity • Read large sections of the prophets to hear God’s tone. • Invite trusted, Bible-saturated believers to review current events alongside Scripture. • Compare every headline with biblical themes: sin, justice, mercy, sovereignty. • Fast to quiet competing voices (Matthew 6:16-18). • Record insights; look for repeated confirmations in the Word. Red Flags Indicating False Discernment • Promises of blessing with no call to repentance. • Confidence rooted in politics rather than Providence (Psalm 20:7). • Dismissal of clear biblical warnings as “negative” or “fear-based.” • Selective proof-texting that ignores context. Living with Hope Beyond Judgment • Jeremiah 29:11 — Even in exile He plans “a future and a hope.” • Lamentations 3:22-23 — “His mercies never fail.” • Habakkuk 3:17-19 — Joy in God remains when fields are empty. • Proverbs 3:5-6 — Trusting Him straightens paths, even national ones. Key Takeaways • God’s will can include both discipline and deliverance; discernment holds them in tension. • Scripture, not sentiment, must define our response. • Repentance and submission position us to hear accurately. • Hope is never lost, because the God who judges also restores. |
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