Bloom Where You're Planted

Jeremiah 29:4-7
4This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: 5“Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce.6Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! 7And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”

This is a verse where Jeremiah is writing to the captives in Babylon. He's telling them to move ahead with their lives even though they are in captivity. He's telling them that life can not grind to a hault, even in distressing situations, and unpleasant times, you must keep moving forward.

This week i've encountered a lot of troubled people, especially others in ministry. 
People feeling empty.
Dry.
Without Hope.
Lost trying to reach lost.
Distressed.
Burdened.
Done.
Just Done.
Bloom: a flourishing, healthy condition; the time or period of greatest beauty, artistry, etc

Wouldn't it be great, no matter where you are in life, you could bloom? You could be at your healthiest physically, mentally, and spiritually. It would be looked back as your greatest time of beauty?

I know i struggle with this. This isnt' a call to not have struggles and to love the pit of mud you are shoulder deep into.
But it is a call to change your perspective on the way you view this life.

Just like Jeremiah called out to the captives who didn't know how long they would be in captivity to plant, to grow their family, to seek peace and prosperity of their city and to blossom. So God is calling you.

In your deepest moment of despair.
In your overwhelming job.
In your laundry pile that will be back tomorrow.
In your 3 kids all crying at the same time.
In your husband that you feel disconnected to.
In your church where you're sick of serving.
In your friendships that seem a one way street.

God is calling you.
Bloom.
Be beautiful.
Be of greatest beauty.

When their is no hope, be the hope Christ has planted in you.