SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "SEEING PASS WHAT IS TO WHAT SHALL BECOME" PT II - JEREMIAH 29:4-13

Series: Lord, I Want To See

“SEEING PASS WHAT IS TO WHAT SHALL BECOME” PT II

Text: Jeremiah 29:4–13 (KJV)Series: Lord, I Want To See

Theme: Hidden Manna

Follows: Seeing Pass What Is to What Shall Become Pt. I

🌅 CENTRAL IDEA:

The people of Judah are in exile — far from home, far from comfort, and feeling forgotten. But God tells them: “Build. Plant. Live. Pray.”

In other words — don’t die in disappointment. Even when life feels like exile, God’s purpose still works.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you... thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer. 29:11)

Faith that sees beyond what is learns to flourish, filter, and follow — trusting that even in strange places, God’s plan is still unfolding.

POINT 1: FLOURISH WHERE YOU ARE (vv. 4–7)

“Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them... seek the peace of the city... for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”

Meaning:

God tells His people to build and grow—not to wait until conditions improve. Even in Babylon, blessings are possible. God can make you thrive in the very place you thought you’d only survive.

For Believers:

Don’t postpone your purpose waiting for a perfect season. You can flourish in uncertainty when your roots are in faith, not circumstance.

For Seekers:

Even if life feels scattered or broken, you still have potential where you are. You can grow peace, joy, and purpose right in the middle of a difficult place.

Practical Application:

• Stop saying “when things change, I’ll…” — start building now.

• Look for small ways to create beauty and peace in your surroundings.

• Pray for your environment — your city, workplace, school — because your peace is tied to its peace.

🪞 Reflection: You don’t have to wait for rescue to begin to rise.

POINT 2: FILTER THE FALSE FROM THE FAITHFUL (vv. 8–10)

“Let not your prophets and diviners deceive you... for they prophesy falsely unto you in my name.”

Meaning:

In times of uncertainty, not every voice speaking in God’s name speaks for God. The exiles wanted quick comfort, but God called them to patient faith. Real faith discerns the difference between what sounds good and what’s truly God.

For Believers:

Be careful who you allow to define your hope. Not every “word” is the Word — some are just noise that feeds impatience. Learn to recognize the faithful voices that point you toward growth, not escape.

For Seekers:

Don’t give up on faith because of false representations of it. God’s truth brings peace, not manipulation; clarity, not confusion.

Practical Application:

• Test every message: Does it match Scripture? Does it align with peace?

• Don’t chase shortcuts; growth takes time.

• Surround yourself with voices that help you mature, not just feel good.

🪞 Reflection: When you filter the false, you make room for faith to form clearly.

POINT 3: FOLLOW GOD’S FUTURE WITH FAITH AND FOCUS (vv. 11–13)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you... Then shall ye call upon me... and ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”

Meaning:

God’s plan for your life is intentional, not accidental. Even in exile, He promises peace, purpose, and a good outcome. But that promise requires focus — seeking God with your whole heart.

For Believers:

God’s “expected end” doesn’t mean ease — it means divine purpose fulfilled. Stay faithful in the waiting, because God’s plan is worth your patience.

For Seekers:

You may not have all the answers, but you can start with this truth: God is thinking about you. He wants to guide you into wholeness — all you have to do is seek Him with sincerity.

Practical Application:

• Trust that God’s timeline is working, even when you can’t track it.

• Stay focused on the future God promised, not the frustration you feel.

• Keep your heart open — your next breakthrough may come through prayer, not power.

🪞 Reflection: Faith doesn’t just wait — it works, prays, and believes while waiting.

🌬️ TAKEAWAY:

To “see past what is to what shall become” means to believe that God’s presence is not limited by place or condition. Even in exile, God says: “Flourish. Filter. Follow.”Don’t let where you are blind you to where God is taking you.

God’s plan may include delay — but delay is not denial.

When you can’t see your way out, keep working, keep worshipping, and keep walking —because God’s peace, purpose, and promise are still alive in your present.

✝️ Summary for All:

• Young people: Don’t wait for the perfect moment — start planting seeds of greatness now.

• Adults: Be discerning — every “good word” isn’t a “God word.”

• Christians: God’s peace works in exile — stay planted and purposeful.

• Non-Christians: You’re not forgotten; God’s thoughts toward you are filled with love, peace, and a future.