This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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.” Jeremiah 29:10-11 (NIV)
Plans, plans, plans. Everybody has plans for me. I try to understand. I try to be gracious and kind. I think they are wanting what they believe is the best for me. But, honestly, their plans for me only hinder me from hearing the voice of God so that I will know what his plan is for me.
Note that Jeremiah’s letter is to the leaders of the Israelite captives in Babylon. Take special note of God’s words to them. The captivity will end and God will keep his promise to return them to their homeland. Perhaps your life seems like bondage to you. Captive of the company. Captive of the bank. Captive of an addiction. Jesus said, “Come unto me . . .” and I promise to break the bondage in your life and restore you to peace and rest.
Note God’s words to the captives: “I know my plans for you.” The message is clear. Bondage is not my plan for you. I do not plan to harm you. Instead, I plan to prosper you. My plans will give you hope. My plans will give you a future.
Many of us get scared of following “God’s will” for our lives. Perhaps it is because we are afraid of where it will take us. Now I ask you, looking back over your life, has God ever led you where you were hurt? Did he ever put you in bondage? Haven’t you always prospered by obeying him? If what you think is his plan for you doesn’t give you hope, then reconsider it. He still has a future for you!
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for the plan you have for my life. Empower me to see it and follow it. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his plan and live for his purpose,