Ten Days Later

Waiting in Fellowship with the Guide

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 42

“Ten days later the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah …‘Do not be afraid… for I am with you and will save you and deliver you from his hands. I will show you compassion.’”

Jeremiah 42:7, 11–12

When the remnant of Judah came to Jeremiah, they asked for divine direction: “Pray that the LORD your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” Yet they had already decided to flee to Egypt. They did not seek guidance; they sought confirmation. Jeremiah prayed — and waited. For ten days, there was silence. Only after that patient silence did God speak: “Do not be afraid… for I am with you.” But by then, the people’s impatience and fear had already hardened their hearts. They trusted their own plans more than the God who had promised compassion and deliverance. As a result, they ignored God’s warning, fled to Egypt, and met the very disaster—sword, famine, and exile—that He had sought to save them from.

E. Stanley Jones, the Methodist missionary to India, learned a similar lesson in his early ministry. Zealous and sincere, he tried to fit God’s will into his own ambitions. Later he wrote, “If you do not seek the will of God first, you will seek to bend it later.” In time, he discovered that true guidance comes not from impulse or cleverness but from staying close to the Guide Himself. “When I turned my will over to Christ,” he said, “I found that His will was not a straitjacket — it was wings.”

We, too, often move ahead, asking God to bless choices already made. Yet guidance is born not in haste but in holy waiting. As John Stott observed, “We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security.” And C.S. Lewis reminds us, “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, ‘All right, then, have it your way.’”

When we wait in fellowship with the Guide, even silence becomes sacred. God’s timing teaches trust; His pauses prepare our hearts for obedience.

Prayer

Lord, teach us to seek Your will before making decisions. Deliver us from rushing ahead or bending Your plan to fit our desires. Give us patience to wait through the “ten days” of silence until Your word comes clear. Keep us in fellowship with You, our true Guide. Lead us in Your compassion, and help us to walk in obedience and peace.

Amen.

When God Redirects Your Steps

“We can make our plans,

 but the Lord determines our steps.”

Proverbs 16:9 

We all make plans—sometimes carefully thought out, sometimes dreamt in moments of inspiration. Planning is good, even necessary. But Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while planning is our responsibility, directing the journey is God’s. And often, it’s in the interruptions, delays, and redirections that God reveals His greater purpose.

One powerful example of this truth is Tim Keller, the late pastor, author, and founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. When first invited to plant a church in Manhattan, he declined. It didn’t fit into his personal vision or his perceived calling. But over time, God made it clear that this was the very path He had prepared for Keller and his family.

That unexpected “yes” became the launchpad for a gospel-centered church movement that would touch lives not only in New York but around the world. Tim Keller’s obedience to God’s redirection didn’t just shape one church—it inspired countless pastors, churches, and believers across the globe.

His podcast has been one of our favorites to listen to regularly. It continues to teach, challenge, and comfort us with its deep wisdom and Christ-centered truth. We had the privilege of going to New York City once to hear Tim Keller preach one evening. We’ll never forget it. His humility, clarity, and Christ-centered wisdom left a lasting impression on all of us. That night reminded us how one person’s obedience to God’s redirection can ripple into thousands of lives.

“If you say, ‘I’ll obey if…,’ 

that’s not obedience at all—you’re the one still in charge. 

True faith says, ‘I’ll obey, Lord, even if I don’t understand.’”

Tim Keller

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your purposes are always greater than ours. Help us to trust You when our plans fall through or the path changes. Give us the courage to say yes to You even when we don’t fully understand. Like Tim Keller, may our obedience serve as a witness that touches lives beyond what we can see. Amen.

Teach Me, Lead Me

A Prayer for Guidance and Peace

Morning Hope, Evening Trust

Walking with God Each Day

 You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, 

And let your Gentle Spirit lead me in the Right Path.

Psalms 143:10

Psalm 143 reveals David’s earnest longing for God’s guidance during a time of great difficulty. In verses 8 and 10, David expresses his trust in God’s unfailing love, his need for direction, and his desire to be led by God’s Spirit. These verses offer valuable lessons on how we, too, can approach God in times of uncertainty.

David begins with a morning plea for a fresh reminder of God’s “unfailing love.” Despite his circumstances, he anchors his hope in God’s steadfast character. Matthew Henry points out that “the morning is a fit time for the discovery of God’s lovingkindness.” Yet, even in the quiet of the evening, we can reflect on the day’s journey and find comfort in knowing that His love has been present throughout.

David’s request, “Show me the way I should go,” reflects complete dependence on God. He doesn’t seek to chart his own course but asks God to reveal the right path. Eugene Peterson paraphrases this beautifully: “Point out the road I must travel.” Like David, we are called to surrender our lives and plans, trusting God to lead us according to His perfect will.

In verse 10, David humbly prays, “Teach me to do your will.” He recognizes that obedience to God’s will requires learning and spiritual growth. Charles Spurgeon comments, “It is not enough to know God’s will; we must be taught to do it.” This reminds us that seeking God’s will is an ongoing journey of being shaped by His truth.

Finally, David asks, “May your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” In a world filled with uncertainties, he desires stability and peace. Alexander Maclaren beautifully writes, “He who prays for God’s Spirit to lead him asks for more than guidance; he asks for sustaining power.” As we end the day, we, too, can ask for the Spirit’s leading to bring us into a place of peace, rest, and renewal.

Prayer

Lord, as this day comes to a close, we pause to reflect on Your unfailing love that has carried us through. Teach us to trust You more deeply and guide us in the way we should go. Lead us by Your good Spirit onto level ground, where we can walk securely in Your presence. Help us to rest in the assurance of Your care and rise tomorrow with hearts ready to follow Your will. Thank You for being our faithful God, now and forever. Amen.