FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE....AND YOURS.

This is what I wrote over Jeremiah chapter 42 in my bible.
The full caption reads:

DO NOT GO BACK TO THE CAPTIVITY THAT I HAVE DELIVERED YOU FROM

You need to read the chapter for yourself. Here is what I am going to say. When things get hard, either as a consequence of your actions or just because, do not go back to the captivity Christ has delivered you from. Sometimes things get rough just in our head. A comment that hurts a little, even when nothing was intended by it. A nod of approval neglected. Sometimes things really are difficult. Either way, do not go back to the captivity He has delivered your from.

Not back to old habits.

Not back to old thought processes.

Not back to old self-loathing or pride.

Do not run back to old friends if He has removed them.

Do not go back to old lifestyles.

Do not run back to the "good" if it held you captive from the best God has.

Face the difficulties under the wing of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will protect you. He will cause you to survive. He will cause you to thrive. You go back, it will be worse than before. It will be the death of you.

He is the One who delivered you from Egypt, for His name's sake.

To go back is to belittle that name.

To belittle the name He has given you as well.

Redeemed.

Precious.

Adopted.

Child of the Living God.

It may not be easy. Probably won't. Fear will knock and, at times, try to beat down the doors of your heart and mind.

You stand firm.

You keep focused on Christ Jesus and do not look back.

If you are going to fall before anything or anyone, you bow that knee to the Lord Jesus Christ.

You hit your knees in praise and prayer, and you keep those feet facing forward, planted firmly on the ground He has placed you on.

Do not retreat.

Do not concede defeat.

Do not think that I am talking just to you.

It is written in my Bible for a reason:)

Deliberate.

Delivered.

May we be so, Lord Jesus, may we be so.