Increase not Decrease

In Jeremiah 29, God has a word for the people who’ve been forcibly moved away from their homes and land. Their situation was dire due to their nation’s rejection of God. In the midst of their suffering, Jeremiah encouraged them to increase, not decrease. The Lord reminded them of His plans for their good with a future and hope.

When we’ve hit a place our place of desolation due to illness, job loss, financial ruin, or broken relationships, we can be tempted to settle down towards the pathway of decrease. This road of depression and dejection is tempting because we are tired of the fight and we don’t see how anything good can come out of our situation. Yet, it’s in the midst of pain that our God begins the molding of character and perseverance out of our lives.

In James 1:2-4, we learn to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” This perfect or spiritual maturity leads us towards an increase that we never saw coming. Our faith is God can be strengthened, not weakened. Our love for Him grows deeper and more appreciative as we press our way through difficulty.

To increase and not decrease in our desolation is the proof of our solid faith in Christ Jesus. He will sustain us by His grace that is sufficient through every weakness. God will refine and transform in greater proportions what Satan meant to destroy our hopes and dreams. We can experience the beauty of increase in the midst of our pain as the Lord gives us grace.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I want to increase in the measure that You’ve planned for my future. Help me to rest in Your goodness during my time of testing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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