The Bible says Jerusalem did not “consider her destiny” and that “uncleanness” was in her skirts. Because of this her “collapse was awesome”. We must understand that every time we forsake the Lord or go astray from His paths of righteousness, we too (like Jerusalem) are not considering our destiny. The decisions we make today will determine our destination. God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us (Jeremiah 29:11). But we cannot expect those plans to come to pass if we are living contrary to His Word. God never intended for the children of Israel to go into exile or to be defeated by their enemies. Yet that is what happened because they deliberately walked away from His ways and refused to consider their destiny. Understand that the choices we make today can either propel us into the plan God has for us or send us in the opposite direction. God says, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19). Praise God – we have one up on the Israelites of old. We have a new covenant with God through the finished work of the cross! A better covenant with better promises! We have the indwelling Holy Spirit who will always lead us into truth. He is faithful to counsel us and keep us in unbroken fellowship with the Lord! He enables and empowers us to love God and His ways and to walk in them with great peace and joy! (Philippians 2:12-13). Carefully consider your destiny today and make the right decisions by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in you! Choose life that you and your descendants may live!