Read: Jeremiah 32:17-23
Ah, Lord God . . . Nothing is too hard for you. (v. 17)
Periodically I counsel couples in crisis. When there is conflict or neglect between partners, it can be encouraging to recall times of mutual fulfillment and happiness. It helps to remember when life together was good.
In Jeremiah, God repeatedly used marital language. God called himself Israel’s “husband” (Jeremiah 31:32). He called his people an unfaithful spouse (3:20). Jeremiah recalled God’s faithfulness and recounted good times past. The marriage seemed to be over, but Jeremiah had hope. For his God, nothing was too difficult.
God continued to see his relationship with his people as a marriage. As marriage partners go, God could have done better. We are perpetually enticed by substitute spiritual loves. We are pathologically self-absorbed. We are chronically neglectful of the one who gave his life for us. By rights, the marriage should be over.
But nothing is too difficult for our God—not even loving us. Through Jesus Christ, God chooses to see the best in us. He chooses to highlight our good times; and promises even better times to come. Like a patient spouse, God invites us to go the distance with him. We may repeatedly fall short and fail to be the partner he deserves. But God is able to make our relationship great and make us better in the process. Nothing is too difficult for him. —Ben Van Arragon
As you pray, remember the goodness of life with the Lord; and know that the best is yet to come.
About the Author
Ben Van Arragon is the Minister of Worship and Leadership at Plymouth Heights Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He preaches and teaches the Bible in church, online, and anywhere else he has the opportunity.
