November 20, 2024

False Expectations

Daily Devotional•2 Minutes

“They begged Jeremiah, ‘Please ask the LORD to help us … Perhaps the LORD will be gracious and do a mighty miracle as he has done in the past.’”—Jeremiah 21:1–2 NLT

King Zedekiah realized he needed a miracle, or Judah would be defeated by Babylon. He sent messengers to ask Jeremiah to approach God, hoping He would help them. But God gave an answer the king did not expect. Instead of performing a miracle to save them, God said He would deliver them into the hands of the Babylonians.

They simply were reaping what they had sown. Zedekiah didn’t seem to realize that God was aware of his conduct. Although living in sin, he still felt his actions wouldn’t matter, and God would bless and protect him.

Many people are like Zedekiah. They believe they can live in any way they want. Then when facing a problem, they expect that God will perform miracles to help them. But God is not a fool. He promises that there are consequences for our actions and that we will reap whatever we sow (Galatians 6:7).

The Bible reminds us that God wants us to be like Jeremiah, seeking to obey Him, listening to Him, developing a close personal relationship with Him, filling our lives with His Word, being sensitive to His will, and having a clean heart.

Do not wait for a crisis to turn to God. Determine to invest your time, talents, and treasures in your relationship with Him now. Seek first His kingdom. Seek Him with your whole heart and commit your life to Him.

Reflection Question: Are you prepared to reap the consequences of your recent actions?

Prayer
Father, I surrender my life to You. Help me know You more intimately. Cleanse my heart of sin, and help me please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Jeremiah 21

Add comment

Prayer
Father, I surrender my life to You. Help me know You more intimately. Cleanse my heart of sin, and help me please You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today's Bible Reading
Jeremiah 21

Avatar photo
Inspiration Ministries

Inspiration Ministries is a nonprofit global Christian media ministry founded in 1990, dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and helping people grow in their faith through trusted biblical teaching, prayer, discipleship, and Scripture-based resources.

Reaching people in more than 200 nations and territories, the ministry provides daily devotionals, online Bible studies, prayer support, original programming, and Scripture-based encouragement designed to help individuals understand the Bible, apply God's Word, and develop a mature and lasting faith.

Each year, more than three million people respond to the Gospel through Inspiration Ministries' global outreach.

The ministry provides structured discipleship through the Spiritual Growth Hub, which offers Bible studies, courses, and certificate-based learning programs. Additional resources include Scripture-based articles, a daily devotional email newsletter, a monthly print devotional magazine, and original media programming. Inspiration Ministries also engages through digital platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and other media channels.

As a nonprofit ministry, Inspiration Ministries offers planned giving and legacy giving resources to help supporters extend their Gospel impact through long-term stewardship and estate planning.

Through biblical teaching, prayer, media outreach, and discipleship resources, Inspiration Ministries equips people around the world with spiritual encouragement and practical tools for lifelong growth in Christ.

View Author Posts
Be A Blessing To Someone In Need of God's Word!

Explore More Devotionals

More Steps to Strengthen Your Walk With Christ

Inspiration Today Newsletter

Supercharge your faith and ignite your spirit. Find hope in God’s word. Receive your Inspiration Today newsletter now!

Sign Up Today
Christian Articles

Find articles to strengthen your walk and grow your faith. We have a wide range of topics and authors for you.

Read For FREE
Submit A Prayer Request

We are here for you. Simply click on the button below to reach us by form, email or phone. Together we will lift our hearts and voices with you in prayer.

I Need Prayer
Partner With Us

Let’s do something amazing for the Kingdom—together.
Join hands with us in faith, love, and action!

Give Online Today
Inspiration Ministries