In the Meantime

“For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let the prophets and the diviners who are among you deceive you, and do not listen to your dreams that you dream. For it is a lie that they are prophesying to you in my name; I did not send them, says the Lord. For thus says the Lord: Only when Babylon’s seventy years are completed will I visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.” - Jeremiah 29:8-10  
  
Are you in a difficult situation, waiting for a breakthrough? It’s one thing to face a challenge, but waiting for it to end can be even harder. The Israelites were in just such a situation. After being taken into exile, they longed to return home and escape their suffering. But instead of hearing good news, they received a message from God that they would remain in exile for seventy years.
 
Their immediate reaction might have been disbelief or despair. Seventy years seemed like an eternity! They were likely overwhelmed by the idea of waiting so long, questioning how they would manage such an extended period of hardship.

God’s message to the Israelites was clear: their waiting period was set, and it was going to be long. Yet, this time was not wasted. It was a period of growth, patience, and preparation. God was asking them to trust in His timing and to remain faithful despite the length of their trial.  

Your “meantime” moment might feel like it’s dragging on, and it can be tough not knowing exactly when things will change. But remember, even in the waiting, God is at work. His timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed. He may not come exactly when you want Him to, but He will come when the time is right.  

The key is to remain patient and to prepare yourself during this waiting period. Use this time to grow stronger in your faith, to keep your hope alive, and to stay open to what God is teaching you. When the time comes for your breakthrough, you want to be ready, not despondent or defeated, but strong and expectant.
 
Stay patient and keep your heart and spirit aligned with God’s timing. Trust that He knows what He’s doing and that this waiting period is part of His plan to bring you into a future filled with hope.