Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
If you have read any of my previous works, whether books I have written or posts on the website and social media, you will know that Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses and you see it referenced many times in whatever I write. It is an amazing promise and one that has always brought me great hope and peace for my unknown future.
To review, the Israelites were once again facing hardship and oppression, this time exiled in Babylon. But then they received this promise from God – there was a plan for them and it would be wonderful.
Today, rather than focusing on the promise of prosperity and hope, we focus on purpose. There was a purpose for everything they were experiencing. They experienced persecution as a result of turning from God, and the persecution led them back. They experienced hope because of their experience. They learned to trust God again because of the persecution. Though they didn’t understand it at the time, there was a reason for everything.
The same is true for us. We look at what we are going through and we lament. We cry out how life is so unfair, how difficult things are and whine about our suffering. But then we receive a word from God that reminds us to have hope, to remain faithful, that He is working and it is for our benefit.
He reminds us that He alone is our peace, He alone is where we should place our trust, and He is working on our behalf and making a way for us to walk in. He has plans for peace, for us to move forward, for us to heal and grow. He feels our pain, sees our tears, and knows they are temporary because He has something far better for us just ahead.
Don’t fear, friends. Trust in Him and the plan He has for your life. It might not be sunshine and daisies every day (we WILL face persecution and trials), but trust that the God who created you loves you so much that not only did He give you His Son, but He wants to fill you with peace and joy. He will guide you and direct your steps. Seek Him each day, trust in His plan, and know everything you experience is there for a purpose.
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