S – Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? ²  You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. 

Jeremiah 12:1–2 ESV

O – Commentary:

Jeremiah affirmed the Lord’s justice when dealing with him in the past. However, since he was obedient, he could not understand why his life was being threatened. By contrast, those who were wicked and evil seemed to be prosperous and happy.

12:2 Jeremiah was irked that the Lord allowed evil people to become established and enjoy prosperity and happiness.

 New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Je 12:1–2.

A – Like Jeremiah, many ask why “wicked people” prosper while believers struggle or face challenges.  God has a plan and purpose in everything but it is tough to go through some intense challenges when others who are not living for God seem to have “it all together.”  Each of us must decide where we will put our faith and trust in those seasons.  Putting our faith in God and surrendering the future to him allows us to live today confident that his plan will be accomplished in the right time.

R – Heavenly Father, you hold all time and things.  We invite you to work your purpose and will in our lives today no matter what we face.  We know that your desires for us are good.