Don’t Dwindle Away

You’ve probably heard this verse before:

“For I know the plans I have for you, plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

It’s often quoted as a feel-good promise. But the context? Far from ideal. God spoke these words to the Israelites—exiles in Babylon, ripped from their homes, living in a godless nation. They had every reason to feel hopeless.

Yet, God tells them something surprising: “Do not dwindle away!” (Jeremiah 29:6)

In other words—don’t shrink back. Don’t settle for a small, bitter life.

God’s message was clear:

• Don’t focus on the negative.
• Don’t live in the past, longing for “the good old days.”
• Don’t waste time harboring resentment.

Instead, He tells them to build homes, plant gardens, get married, and have children. And even more shocking—pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon! (Yes, the very place of their exile!)

This is just as relevant today. Many of us have stories of displacement—whether through war, oppression, or forced migration. And let’s be real: we live in a “Babylon world,” full of corrupt leaders and injustice.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And 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.” Jeremiah 29:4-7 NLT

Notice what God doesn’t say. He doesn’t tell His people to demand revenge or dwell in their pain. He tells them to live with purpose, trust Him, and seek the welfare of those around them—even those they don’t agree with.

And here’s the real challenge:
“Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” (Jeremiah 29:7)

Our well-being is tied to the well-being of our communities—not just fellow believers, but everyone around us.

So the question is: Are we living just for ourselves? Or are we investing in the places God has put us, trusting Him to bring good from it?

At the end of the day, this world isn’t our true home—heaven is. But while we’re here, we’re called to thrive, not shrink back. To pray, to serve, and to trust God’s greater plan.

We are to be a people who multiply our faith by sharing the gospel and trusting God for an eternal hope for everyone in our city!

Don’t dwindle away.