BUILD in Babylon

Boyyy, it feels like it’s been a while since I posted and I know it hasn’t even been that long … the last post was only about a week ago. Nonetheless, I’ve been itching to write something for you. You may not believe this but I haven’t posted lately because I have had TOO much to say. I probably have like 5 blog posts started over the past week that are unfinished drafts… and I’m just talking about the ones I’ve actually taken the time to start typing out.

The Lord has been speaking to me on a number of things that I believe would be valuable for me to share and… there’s just been so much that the thought of figuring out where to start from and which one to start with just had me shut down. The overflow should be reason for me to post more right? Well, I guess I haven’t handled it very well. Apparently, sometimes it can be easier navigating seasons of lack than handling abundance. Not many are well-versed in the latter, and both bring with them challenges while requiring a unique manner of stewardship. Bruhh, I came on here to drop a quick little post but everytime I get to typing on this page, something happens. The Spirit be taking me all kind of places and I am here for it. Take over Lord. Okay let’s get into the quick word for today. The theme boils down to one word.. that can be better understood in this context as three;

BUILD
=
SERVE YOUR SEASON

Over the past week and more, this word has been swirling in my mind repeatedly. A lot of thoughts have brought me back to the word build. And with it, a scripture in Jeremiah as well which gave me better understanding of what God is saying to me… and perhaps to you as well. Before we dive in a little deeper, here is the scripture;

 “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.” Jer 29:5

I strongly encourage you to study this chapter and better still, the whole book of Jeremiah but for the purpose of this post, let me give some context to this verse. In this chapter, God was speaking to Jeremiah about the Babylonian exile that had been prophesied. The prophecy was given letting the Israelites know that they will be exiled into Babylon for seventy years after which the Lord will rescue them and bring them back into their own land. God warned them to submit to the leadership of Babylon and not try to escape as He will preserve them if they simply serve this season. He promised to restore the captives that will submit to the king of Babylon during this tenure. In other words.. don’t try to escape, do your time AND do it well.

This verse comes from the same chapter that has one of our favourites to recite – Jer 29:11 which says “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope“. I don’t think many know that this is the premise of our favourite memory verse. Yes, God knows the plan He has for you. Yes they are plans of good and not of evil. And Yes, He was saying that to them while they were in a season of discomfort .. and while reminding them … this is just a season. Seasons have end dates but here’s the thing, the season must run its course. After Winter, then comes Spring. So what do we do while we wait for winter to pass? BUILD.

Why would God tell the Israelites that though this captivity was just seasonal, they should establish themselves? Why build, plant and plan to stay when He’s clearly telling them it’s temporary and this this too shall pass? Why can’t we just sit at the edge of the seat till we get to our bus stop? Why fully occupy your space? Well.. here’s the thing, unlike other trees, those of us that put our trust in God bear fruit in every season(Jer 17:7-8) . Fruit is only born when the tree is rooted .. you must remain rooted in every season. Rooted in God yes, and rooted in His instruction and placement. Remaining rooted looks like trusting God and following His directive to stay put even when snowflakes are all up in your face. It looks like trusting Him to be your umbrella as you stay put in the rain, or your shade as you stand in the sun on His instruction. Remember the verse that says “Be still and know that I am God” ? Yeah.. that’s what it looks like.

So let’s get a bit more practical – modern day application. You may be working a sucky job and God says I will deliver you from this… but not now. That job may be your Babylon. You know there’s more. Knowing that the job you’re at is temporary is not permission to be sloppy with what God put in your hands, or to evade diligence. On the contrary, it’s motive to get you to serve diligently with the hope of a soon coming expiration date.
Think of that relationship with a person proving to be very difficult in your life. You may know he/she is someone God assigned to you yet you’re exhausted and want to call it quits. Perhaps you keep hearing God say Don’t leave. Don’t half-step it, a person can be in a relationship physically yet emotionally disconnected. Nope, Build, plant, plan to stay… in other words, give it your all. Be fruitful.
P.S: This is in no way referring to toxic situations. Only places where God is telling you stay put.

I can only give so many scenarios but you may be reading this and you know exactly what your Babylon may be. I’m here to encourage you to be ALL IN.
Build, plant, plan and watch the fruit from this season abound. Don’t give up. Build. Serve in this season and watch God do what He does – Nothing will be wasted.

I hope this encouraged you. I pray God gives us all the strength to persevere and endure hard seasons that He has purposed for us in Jesus Name. Amen. There is something special at the end of it – a promise. It reminds me of this verse in Hebrews;

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” Heb 10:36

Keep building what God has told you to, even while in Babylon.
As they say, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade 🍋🍋🍋.
Love you all 💕

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