“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
This is one of those verses that is written out for graduation congratulations and baby announcements. I remember finding this verse very early in my walk with Jesus. Of course back then, I thought that if God had a plan for me and it was for my “welfare and not for evil” then it would mean that I should have a life of no pain whatsoever. Well, that was pretty immature and unrealistic thinking now wasn’t it? I do believe the verse to be true though I know I have not always consulted with God for His plans for my life. I have to say that I am blessed beyond what I could hope for but I don’t think I have always helped God along by seeking His plans for me as much as I have asked Him to bless my plans for me. I wonder sometime what my life would have been like if I had consulted with Him all those many years ago for what His plans for me were. Rather than going my own way and expecting Him to bless me. He did bless me in spite of my old stubborn self. But I do wish I would have earlier on asked God’s direction for my life rather than just go my own way and expect Him to follow.
However, as long as we have breath in our bodies it’s never too late to ask God for direction for our lives. This verse was originally written to the exiled Jews in Babylon. They probably thought their life was over as they were exiled in Babylon and they probably many times felt forgotten by God. This was encouragement from Jeremiah to them that God had not forgotten them and that He had a future in mind for them. This can also be applied to us. I know we all may go through seasons where we wonder if God has forgotten us.
Friends let’s be encouraged today that this is a truth we can stand on. God has a plan for our future. This plan is for hope and it is not for evil. What are you hoping for? Do you feel stuck like you are in your own type of exile? Do you feel like you have made a mess of God’s plans for your life? Turn it over to Him and ask Him to lead you and guide you into your purpose and plan. We all still have work to do here which means God still has a plan for a future and hope for you! Whether you are young or old, whether you are healthy or sick, whether you are able to run miles every day or bedridden, if you are still here, I believe God has a plan for you. I heard of a woman once who was bedridden and she started a business from her bed sending out encouragement to people all over the world. It started with just some simple notes she wrote to people she knew. Her writing was so touching and her delivery was so special that people began to ask her to send things out for them to other people that they wanted to encourage. She was laying in bed asking God if He had forgotten her and she got the idea to bless a few people if for not other reason to make herself feel better and her small business grew from the idea. How cool is that!
Lord, I pray that you will show us our future and hope. God as long as there is breath in my body I know that you have a plan for me. I pray that you will reveal that plan to me as I walk in it straight to my future and hope!
Restore 