One-minute read.
Good Plans
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
Jeremiah, speaking to the exiles, encourages them with today’s promise. Despite their circumstances, the Lord has good plans for the Israelites that give them hope and a future. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, reiterates the promise for those who place their faith in Jesus:
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6
Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. Why, we don’t know. But we can trust God’s promise of hope and a future. Often, what we judge as bad turns out good. When I lost my job, it devastated me, but if that event hadn’t happened, I wouldn’t have started on my current journey, living my God-given dream of becoming a writer. The Lord had to get me into a position that forced me to do something different; my loss preceded my gain.
Each day, eternity unfolds. Following Jesus, we mustn’t judge the circumstances around us too quickly because He hasn’t finished the story. No matter what we experience in this world, our heavenly home awaits us, far better than anything we can imagine. God promises a future filled with hope, and He will deliver.
Application:
God has good plans for you.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for giving us hope for the future. As we face today’s challenges, let us take heart in Your promise, knowing that You have good plans for us and our welfare, not evil. Help us persevere in the hope of things yet to come, knowing that in all things, You work them to the good of those who trust and believe.
IJNIP. Amen
