Jeremiah 42-43  Johanan and his forces came to Jeremiah and asked him to pray.. "Please let our petition come before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God.. "  If God would tell them what to do next.. they promised.. "whether it is pleasant to unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, in order that it may go  well with us the we listen to the voice of the Lord our God." 

Sounds good!  So, Jeremiah went to pray.. and after 10 days he heard from the Lord.  "Thus says the Lord the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your petition before Him: 'If you will indeed stay in this land, then I will build you up and not tear you down, and I will plant you and not uproot you; for I shall relent concerning the calamity that I have inflicted on you.. ' "  He told them to not be afraid. To trust in His provision and protection. " I will also show you compassion, so that he ( Nebuchadnezzar ) will have compassion on you and restore you to your own soil."  What wonderful promises!

But, there was also a warning.. if they would not obey.. if they went down to Egypt like they wanted.. "then in that case listen to the word of the Lord of hosts... then it will come about that the sword, which you are afraid of will overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine, about which you are anxious, will follow closely after you there in Egypt; and you will die there."

Jeremiah made it clear.. this is what God was telling them.. stay and He will provide.. go to Egypt and they would die... "But it came about, as soon as Jeremiah whom the Lord their God had sent, had finished telling all the people all the words of the Lord their God - that is, all these words- that Azariah.. Johanan.. and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, ' You are telling a lie!' "  They "did not obey the voice of the Lord, so as to stay in the land of Judah."  They took everyone.. including Jeremiah.. and went to Egypt.  The result would be destruction.. from the hands of Nebuchadnezzar.. upon Egypt too. 

Father, You make a way for us.. You show us Your paths of righteousness.. and yet in arrogance and deceit, many turn away.. refuse to listen.. and refuse to obey.  Oh help us Lord, to repent and turn to You, no matter what.. whether pleasant or unpleasant.. whether we understand or not.. let us follow our Good Shepherd!  May we not just say that we will do Your will...but, let us do it. Help us to remember that You will provide all the strength we need to face the obstacles of life.  You are with us always and will never forsake us.  Make Your presence and compassion known to those who are struggling today, Father. Help us, Your children, to contend earnestly for the faith that is ours in Christ Jesus. May we remain steadfast in Him.. who keeps us from falling.. for it is in His mighty Name we pray. Amen.