Have you been in a challenging season for a while? Do you wonder how much longer you have to endure the conditions, suffering, or mistreatment? This sentiment seems to be a common occurrence as people post reels about calling God to request the joy and happiness package in 2024 instead of the trials and tribulations they received in 2023. Yes, 2023 had its share of challenges. However, all is not lost. Because we awoke to 2024, hope is on the horizon. Regardless of what life looks like right now, all is indeed not lost.
The Story: Jeremiah 52
In Jeremiah 52:31-34, we find the story of King Jehoiachin, king of Judah. His story resides in the last four verses of chapter 52. This chapter contains the capture and exile of the people of Jerusalem, who were led by King Zedekiah. It speaks of how Zedekiah tried to escape captivity but was captured. Once captured, the Babylonians killed his sons and the princes of Judah. If this destruction wasn’t enough, they blinded Zedekiah. Unfortunately, the Babylonians’ reign of terror didn’t stop there. They also removed all the bronze from the everywhere.
Despite all the mayhem contained in Jeremiah 52, a bright spot shines. A new king comes into power after 36 years and finds favor with Jehoiachin. He removed Jehoiachin from prison, gave him the highest throne among the captive kings, provided him with new clothes, and enabled him to eat at the king’s table regularly all the days of his life.
The Lesson
Yes, the struggle is real but all is not lost. Like King Jehoiachin, our status can change during adverse circumstances. Faith and favor can catapult us from the bottom to the top. With favor, our address and clothes can change.
While the Bible doesn’t describe King Jehoiachin’s path to favor, we do know that favor comes from God (Psalm 84:11). When we submit ourselves to God, He allows His factor to reign on us (Psalm 90:17). With His favor, doors open for us and people extend kindness to us. Amazing things happen because of God’s favor. In addition, we don’t need to ask for favor, God generously provides it when we serve Him with our whole hearts. Also, we know we have God’s favor when there’s no rationale for the things coming our way. Therefore, the only explanation is God. Because of God’s favor, indeed all is not lost.
