An Obscure Plan

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.”

Israel was in captivity in Babylon. The Lord had allowed the destruction of the nation because of their idolatry. Many had listened to false prophets who had prophesied peace for the nation instead of the coming destruction prophesied by Jeremiah. Once in Babylon, these same false prophets had told the people they would only be there for a short time, but God told Jeremiah the time would be 70 years. 70 years…. a far cry from the short time the people had been counting on. It must have felt like a death sentence to those people. Yet, just after revealing that this captivity would last 70 years, the Lord gave this word to Jeremiah.

Sometimes in life, things happen to us that we didn’t see coming. Maybe the Lord has allowed suffering to come into your life. Maybe your plans have failed. Maybe an illness has sidelined you. Whatever it is, rest assured that God is not surprised by what has happened in your life up to this point. He isn’t going to be surprised by anything that will happen to you in the future. God’s plans for you will come to pass. There is no power on earth that can prevent or thwart the plans of God.

In the midst of hard times, in the midst of disappointments, listen to the words that God gave to Jeremiah. He has plans for your life, and they are plans to prosper you. They are plans to take what has happened so far and use it all for your good. Hang on! Press forward! Trust God! And see what great plans He has in store for you.

Father, today I thank you that you have great plans for me–plans to give me a future and a hope. Lord, I may not like what has happened in my life so far. I may not like where I am right now. But, God, I know that you have great plans for me. Your plans will come to pass in my life because your word NEVER returns void. It accomplishes everything you have sent it forth to accomplish. This season will pass, and when it does I will see the promise of your plans for me. Help me to trust in you, Lord, and in your plans. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.