“Why was I ever born when all I see is suffering and misery, and my days are filled with shame?” Jeremiah 20:18
When adversity hits us, it may come as a shock, but when it continues and worsens, our faith faces the test.
I’m so glad that the God didn’t edit out the parts in the Bible where people questioned their lives, their calling, and their faith. It validates our feelings as part of the normal human experience during our walk as a Christian.
Even though God had clearly told Jeremiah that he was born for a purpose (Jer 1:5), he had forgotten that during this time of suffering:
Cursed be the day in which I was born!
Let the day not be blessed in which my mother bore me!
Let the man be cursed
Who brought news to my father, saying,
“ A male child has been born to you!”
Making him very glad. Jeremiah 20:14-15
Job had a similar reaction:
Perish the day I was born,
the night someone said,
“A boy has been conceived.” Job 3:3
As many times as I have suffered in my life, and continue to do so in some regards, I appreciate and understand the sentiment. Why? Why was I even born? Why do I have to suffer? Why do I have this shame?
How reassuring it must have been for Jeremiah to hear the words in Chapter 29? It isn’t always welcomed from our friends during our darkest hours, but that was never the intention from God.
I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
He knows the plans. He has them in His mind. His plans are for peace and not disaster. Despite our feelings and what we perceive. The plans the Lord has are “filled with hope.”
So it is our choice, friends, how we process our thoughts during our times of suffering should always end a a place “filled with hope.” For this Hope is in us.
God wanted to make the glorious riches of this secret plan, known among the Gentiles, which is Christ living in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Further Discussion and Reading:
- This post is part of the CEB Blog Tour
- First person to comment (who is not part of the tour) is eligible to win a copy of the CEB Bible.
- Have you ever considered the things of the Lord?
- Was there a time when you chose not to tell everyone?
- Related Verses to Explore:
- More of my Devotionals
- Related Posts:
- Christ in You the Hope of Glory: Colossians 1:26-29
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Patient in Tribulation Theme Verse: Romans 12:12
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Rejoicing in Hope Theme Verse: Romans 12:12
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Dear God: Suffering & Pain Theme Verse: 1 Peter 4:1-2
- FTC Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, all products featured are a part of a paid publicity campaign.
- All scriptures are taken from the Holy Bible, Common English Bible, copyright by Church Resources Development Corp. Used by permission of Common English Bible, P.O. Box 801, 201 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37202-0801. All rights reserved.
I can’t say that I’ve never asked God why I was ever born. Suffering can bring us to some pretty low valleys.
I’m so very thankful that God’s plan goes far beyond what our eyes can see. I know that with Him it is all Good! A glorious future has been secured through Christ. And He’s promised to be my strength in the here and now. That gives me HOPE!
Not in so many words, but at times I thought death would be better. Not suicidal, but geez, Lord, what are you keeping me alive for like this??? Kind of a thing.. ?
Yes, we have to keep our eyes on the prize, literally. The Glorious Future!
Thank you for mentioning this post one Blue Collar Living.
I have considered suicide quite a few times in my life, but the responsibility as husband and father kept me from doing it since my plans for securing financial security for the family wouldn’t work out! Than God He healed me of depression!
A note on Jeremiah 29:11: It is directly linked to the instruction in verse 7: “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” This is difficult if you are faced with a dishonest, even heathen government! Yet one cannot have the one without the other!
God bless
Herman.
Thank you for your comment! I appreciate the time and effort and your note on Jeremiah 29:11. You are the CEB Thinline Bible Tour winner.